Raspberries are one of the most famous berries in the world. People admire this fruit because of its shiny appearance and extremely good taste. But the real reason why this fruit should be in your kitchen is its huge health benefits!
Raspberries are a powerhouse that contains vital nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber. However, more voices are now being raised about the possible damage these berries can cause, and the main reason is their acidity levels.
So, are raspberries acidic, or are they alkaline?
Raspberries are acidic fruits. You can also feel the sourness with a hint of acidity when you eat them raw. This taste is also the reason why these berries are part of a variety of recipes.
Want to know why raspberries are acidic and what health benefits you will enjoy if you eat them? Then continue reading.
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Table of Content
Why Are Raspberries Acidic
The pH value is the parameter to check the acidity or alkalinity levels. If the value on the pH scale is less than 7, then a particular food is acidic.
So, what is the pH of raspberry?
Raspberry pH level is between 3.2 to 3.8, which is more than strawberries but less than lemons. So, it is not that acidic if you think about it.
Most fruits are acidic due to naturally occurring acids in them. You might now be wondering, do raspberries have acid in them? Yes, they do.
So, what acid is in raspberries? These berries contain the following acids:
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
- Phenolic acid
- Ellagic acid
Now, read why raspberries are a blessing for you!
Health Benefits of Raspberries
There is no doubt that Raspberries are good for the body. This berry is also called Powerhouse because of its health benefits.
Want to know- why raspberries are good for you? The reason is its vitamins, minerals, and high fiber content.
The benefits of eating raspberry are:
Prevents Cancer:
Raspberries are rich in antioxidants (vitamin C, ellagic acid, and quercetin) which do not let cancerous cells spread in the body.
The spread of cancerous cells is caused by free radicals. Antioxidants fight them and kill them.
As a result, cancer does not advance.
Maintains Blood Sugar Levels:
The carbs in the raspberries are low, so your blood sugar levels won’t rise.
In addition, these fruits also improve insulin activity by controlling sugar levels.
Moreover, a study was conducted in which researchers found that Tannins in the raspberries block Alpha-Amylase from breaking down the starch. Hence, fewer carbs will be absorbed after a meal.
Improves Stomach Health:
Raspberries are one of the best fruits you can eat to enhance stomach performance.
If it could, your stomach would write you a “Thank you letter” every time you eat Raspberries!
The reason is the high fiber content. Fiber is clinically proven to get rid of indigestion and clean the food pathway.
Wondering how much fiber raspberries have?
One cup of red raspberries can provide you with 8 grams of fiber. It is a lot higher than most foods we usually eat.
Helps in Weight Loss:
Raspberries are filling and also suppress the appetite. Hence you don’t feel any cravings to eat unhealthy snacks, and weight loss becomes easy.
But you can only enjoy the above-mentioned health benefits if you eat these berries in the right amount.
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How Many Raspberries Should You Eat in A Day
After knowing about raspberry fruit benefits, it is time for you to know how many raspberries you can eat.
A single serving of around 100 to 120 grams of raspberries is enough per day.
Eating it more can lead to high stomach acid levels, a burning sensation around the chest, and throat itching.
How Long Are Raspberries Good for:
The shelf life of fresh raspberries is 2 to 3 days. Frozen or canned raspberries can remain good for up to six months.
Wondering how to tell if raspberries are bad? Then keep on reading!
How Do You Know If Raspberries Are Bad
Don’t eat raspberries if they are:
- Mushy
- Giving off a bad smell
- Color is faded
- Have molds on them
If you observe any of these signs, then throw away such berries. But if the raspberries are good, then let me tell you some ways to eat them.
How Do You Eat Raspberries
Raspberries are versatile in the sense that they can pair well with almost every dessert and dairy product.
Here’s how you can enjoy eating raspberries:
Make Fruit Salad:
You can enjoy raspberries by making a salad with other fruits. Generally, bananas, apples, cantaloupes, grapes, and pears are added.
Raspberry Smoothies:
Making smoothies is another healthy way of enjoying raspberries.
You can also add peaches, apples, or cantaloupe to it to increase the nutritious value and tone down the acidic effects of berries.
Raspberry sauce:
You can make a raspberry sauce and add it to desserts to enrich the aroma and flavor. Chefs love to include it in pancakes and waffles recipes.
Raspberry Yogurt:
Adding Raspberries to yogurt is another incredible way of enjoying these fruits. Mixing them with yogurt is also super beneficial for our health as you will be consuming lots of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and fiber.
That is why many people have called this the best way to eat raspberries.
What Are The Dangers of Eating Raspberries
Over-feasting on raspberries can cause some health complications to arise.
People also wonder, can you eat too many raspberries? Well, yes, any food can be overeaten but can prove to be damaging to health.
When it comes to raspberries, you should not consume more than a cup (100 to 120 grams).
Eating too many raspberries can cause:
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
But the biggest concern that people have is about their relationship with Acid reflux.
Are Raspberries Good for Acid Reflux
Raspberries are acidic in nature, so those with acid reflux should be careful while eating them.
A few raspberries would not hurt, but eating a bowl full of these berries can increase the stomach acid levels and worsen the Acid Reflux.
To avoid this, you can add alkaline foods to a cup of raspberries to neutralize the acidity levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do raspberries upset my stomach?
Raspberries should be washed properly before you eat them. They may contain some chemical residues of pesticide spray that can cause several health problems, including upsetting the stomach. Furthermore, if your stomach is sensitive to fructose, then stomach pain may occur after eating berries.
Moreover, if your stomach has high acid levels, then eating lots of raspberries can worsen the condition, and you feel more stomach discomfort.
Can dogs eat black raspberries?
Yes, your dog can eat raspberries as they are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In addition to humans, these compounds can improve the health of your dog as well.
Is raspberry tea good for acid reflux?
Drinking a cup of raspberry tea may prove to be beneficial for curing Acid reflux. The major reasons for high acidity levels in the stomach are indigestion and obesity. Since the nutrients in the raspberry tea improve digestion and speed up metabolism, both Acid reflux and obesity can be toned down. Plus, the tea does not have as much acidic effect after digestion as raw raspberries.
Bottom Line
So, are raspberries acidic, and can they damage health?
Raspberries are acidic, with a pH between 3.2 to 3.8. However, they are super beneficial for your health due to the high amount of antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, and minerals.
But don’t “over-feast” on them; otherwise, you might face complications like acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach discomforts like indigestion, diarrhea, etc.
All in all, raspberries are considered one of the best berries because of their taste and nutritional content.
