Weight buster - Raspberry Ketones

 

Dr. Oz probably has popularised the weight loss benefits of raspberry ketones in his Health Show broadcasted on American TV that this new dietary ”miracle weight loss supplement” is believed to be the latest answer to the battle of the bulge.
 

This tiny berry’s goodness has been revered by indigenous people around the world for centuries, believed to possess powerful healing and health properties.

 

Nutritional Profile

 

This compound called raspberry ketone is an enzyme occurring in a variety of fruits including raspberry, cranberry and blackberry although most abundant in the raspberry and is responsible for the sweet aroma.

 

Raspberry has an outstanding source of phytonutrients, and provides us with dozens of anthocyanins, flavonoids, stilbenoids, phenolic acids, tannins, lignans and ellagitannins (like ellagic acid), cyanidins and pelargonidins. Besides being an excellent source of digestive health-promoting fiber, other nutrients include Vitamin C, E, K , folate, magnesium, manganese, omega-3 fatty acids, copper, iron and potassium can be found in the humble berry.

 

How it helps in obesity?

 

The rheosmin found in raspberries can increase metabolism in our fat cells by increasing enzyme activity, oxygen consumption and heat production in certain types of fat cells. It can also decrease activity of a fat-digesting enzyme released by our pancreas called pancreatic lipase.

 

By boosting fat metabolism this way, less fat is likely to be deposited in our fat cells, and can even use up some of the fat that is stored there. In addition, the number of pro-inflammatory messaging molecules that are produced by our fat cells is reduced, helping our body to burn fat faster and thus reduces obesity as well as risk of fatty liver.

 

In obese persons with type 2 diabetes, adiponectin is not produced in sufficient amounts or, if adequately produced, remains too inactive. This becomes a key problem for regulation of their blood sugar and blood fats. By activating adiponectin, the tiliroside in raspberries can help improve insulin balance, blood sugar balance and blood fat balance in them. Studies showed that it helps to prevent unwanted consequences of excess body fat and compromised regulation of blood sugar, blood insulin and blood fats.

 

Researchers found that raspberry extracts can block activity of an enzyme called alpha-glucosidase which is a starch-digesting enzyme responsible for the breakdown of starches into sugars in the digestive tract. This enzyme is usually activated and can cause excessively high levels of blood sugar following a meal. Hence, this blocking activity may make it possible for persons with type 2 diabetes or obese persons experiencing problems with blood sugar regulation to better manage their blood sugar levels.

Clinical Studies
 
+ Several recent studies from Japan showed that raspberry ketones are chemically similar to capsaicin, the heat compound from chili peppers which significantly increases fat burning, especially for fatty liver.

+ In 2010, Korean researchers reported that raspberry ketone increased fat cells’ secretion of a hormone called adiponectin that regulates the processing of sugars and fats in the blood. The reported benefits are impressive: increased total weight loss, including a significant reduction of abdominal fat — with zero side effects. Studies show that thin people have higher levels of adiponectin than overweight individuals.

+ A 2012 study from China found that raspberry ketones had several health benefits — including improved cholesterol levels, insulin sensitivity and reduced fat in the liver.

+ As for Cancer -

The benefits of raspberries for anti-cancer prevention have long been attributed to their rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. In animal studies involving breast, cervical, colon, esophageal and prostate cancers, raspberry phytonutrients have been shown to play an important role in lowering oxidative stress, reducing inflammation and thereby altering the development or reproduction of cancer cells.

More good news from new research conducted that showed that the anti-cancer benefits of raspberries may extend beyond their basic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory aspects. Phytonutrients in the berries may also be able to change the signals that are sent to potential or existing cancer cells.

For existing cancer cells, phytonutrients like ellagitannins may be able to decrease cancer cell numbers by sending signals that encourage the cancer cells to commit apoptosis (programmed cell death). This signaling is likely to involve activity of the p53 protein that is typically classified as a tumor suppressor protein. This action is similarly extended to potentially but not yet cancerous cells to remain non-cancerous.

Forms

+ A cup of fresh raspberries for an adult provides about 15 grams of total carbohydrates and only 5-6 grams of sugar. In fact, half cup serving is likely to be a very good fit in most diets, even diets focused on stabilization of blood sugar.
 

+ The recommended dose for supplement is 100mg per day or the same benefit as consuming 90 pounds of raspberries.

+ As for Raspberry Ketone products, can contain a few standard ingredients to enhance effectiveness:

 

- African mango extract is known to help promote healthy and rapid weight loss by targeting central abdominal belly fat.

- Resveratrol and Acai berry are very rich in antioxidants too.

- Apple cider vinegar is often used to help speed up the metabolism and promote healthy weight loss.

- Caffeine and grapefruit juice may be added for some products and cardiac patients have to be careful.

+ Raspberries in processed forms include drying, juicing, fermenting into wine, straining or filtering.

However, if the seeds of the raspberries are removed during processing, many key phytonutrients may be lost or greatly reduced. Exposures to heat during processing may also result in substantial phytonutrient loss.

Health concern

+ With the way the media glamorizes extreme thinness, people with a very low or normal BMI (body mass index) and already-high adiponectin levels who are over-conscious of image may use it without restrictions. This can lead to an unhealthy degree of leanness and body-image issue.

+ It is not suitable for pregnant/lactating women, children and patients on medications. Ironically, raspberry leaf has a long history of use in botanical medicine for pregnancy and childbirth and is widely available in the U.S. and other countries in tea form for other health purposes.

+ The Japanese study states that the chemical structure of raspberry ketones is similar to synephrine, a stimulant. For this reason people with cardiac issues or high blood pressure should avoid it.

+ Raspberries are among a small number of foods that contain measurable amounts of oxalates, naturally-occurring substances found in plants, animals and human beings. When oxalates become too concentrated in body fluids, they can crystallize and cause health problems. For this reason, individuals with already existing and untreated kidney, liver or gallbladder problems may want to avoid eating raspberries.

Other comments

+ Recent research on full ripe organic raspberries found significantly higher total antioxidant capacity than non-organic raspberries. However, note that raspberries ripened after harvest are highly perishable and can mold quite easily at room temperature. The best way is to keep them refrigerated at all times at temperatures between 35-39°F (2°-4°C), and consume all within 1 to 2 days after purchase.

+ Research has shown that raspberry ketone can help in your weight-loss efforts, especially when paired with regular exercise and a well-balanced diet of healthy and whole foods.

All in all, raspberry ketones is a powerful enzyme that tells your body to automatically burn fat within the cells as energy at an accelerated pace and curb appetite to achieve better result.