Dave Grotto Talks Raspberries and Nutrition
“I picked raspberries to be in my book ‘101 Foods that Can Save Your Life’ for many reasons,” says author and registered dietitian Dave Grotto. “My criteria for inclusion were that the featured foods had to be nutrient and\or phytochemically dense, have a positive effect on the quality and quantity of life, and most importantly, taste great! Raspberries certainly do all that.”
“I’ve worked in the field of cancer care for the past 10 years and am seeing a rise in esophageal cancer. There is research that demonstrates that esophageal cancer cells don’t do very well in the presence of raspberries,” Grotto reports. “With diabetes patients, who have to watch their carbohydrate intake, raspberries, even though their main source of calories are carbohydrates, can help reduce blood sugar after eating, especially when those meals are loaded with starchy foods.”
“Raspberries are antioxidant powerhouses,” Grotto continues, “because they are especially high in vitamin C and anthocyanins. I like to say that antioxidants are protectors of the fortress (the body), a shield to fend off free radicals that cause damage to our cells.”
“That bowl of raspberries you enjoy for breakfast or for dessert also provides an anti-inflammatory benefit,” he reports. “The beauty of eating raspberries is that you get great taste and a natural pharmacy all in one. And good nutrition has to be about good taste, because eating should be enjoyable.”
“Everyone’s worried about obesity and according to the latest stats, they have every reason to,” Grotto says, “and great-tasting, and satisfying raspberries may be a food that helps to maintain a healthy weight. Even the seeds can be a benefit because they may play a role in speeding up fat burning.”
“I’m all about showing that a delicious, whole food, like raspberries, can satisfy appetites and tastes, while providing many health benefits, is the best and healthiest way to eat and to get good nutrition.”
Grotto talks more about raspberries on his new website www.101FoodsThatCouldSaveYourLife.com , and in his book 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life! For more raspberry information please visit www.raspberryinfo.com
