Raspberry is the delectable, juicy and often sweet fruit a powerhouse of countless health benefits. It is rich in nutrients, minerals and vitamins and can help lower the risk of cancer, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and helps to enhance fertility.
Raspberries are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making this fruit an excellent choice in the fight against obesity. Its low sugar calorie count also allows diabetics a snack that is healthy, tasty and safe.
This is unlike many other fruits whose sugar content remains at levels not recommended to diabetics by doctors. Furthermore, raspberry is a rich source of anti-oxidants that have benefits against cancer, aging and inflammation.
A recent study emanating from the Lawrence Berkley Laboratory in the United States of America has asserted that by eating raspberries, men and women can enhance their fertility. 
They posit that men who consume Raspberry, a fruit rich in Vitamin C, protect their sperm’s DNA from damage by approximately twenty percent (20%). These antioxidants not only help to protect the sperm but also promote conception and prevent miscarriage.
But where did such a powerful fruit originate?
Raspberries are a part of the rose family and are believed to have originated mainly in Eastern Asia. The British popularized the fruit throughout the middle ages and exported it to New York in 1771.
While there is historical evidence that the raspberry was valued for its sweet berries, more value was placed on the leaves which have long been used in medicinal preparations.
In the 1800’s, the raspberry leaves were popularly used to make tea for the problems associated with pregnancy and child-birth. Although scientific studies are not able to support this myth, Raspberry leaves were used to shorten the childbirth process and ease the pain of women in labour.
They also drank the tea to increase the fertility levels to ‘guarantee’ pregnancy. Contemporary users of Raspberry leaves recommend the tea for influenza (flu) and the swine flu, diarrhea and obesity.
Raspberries are usually grown in regions that have cooler climates. They are most commonly grown in Europe and the United States of America (in the Northern areas). Though the actual fruit may not be available in most countries, the by-products are obtainable worldwide, for instance juices, jams and teas.
This fruit is more often than not overlooked by householders, but when we consider the benefits this is the perfect bedtime snack or breakfast pick-me upper.
The countless nutrients, minerals and vitamins that make it a disease fighter, fertility manager and anti-anger should make the raspberry a fruit that everyone wants to take advantage of and also one that no male would want to ignore.
