Health Benefits of Raspberries

The health benefits of raspberries are numerous but raspberries are not considered a cure-all berry but they do have other attributes which many believe can prevent several diseases. We will look into some of their health benefits along with how to grow them.

Vitamin C in raspberries is believed to help develop an immune system and connective tissues to be able to ward an attack of micro-organisms. Raspberries and some of the other berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and cranberries contain large amounts of vitamin C in their structure. These berries also contain an attribute that is thought to prevent bladder infections. It does this by the prevention of bacteria from attaching itself to cells of the inner walls of the urinary tract. Raspberries also contain lutein, a substance that is very important to a healthy vision.

The antioxidants in raspberries and other berries also help to reduce the risk of many types of cancers and heart diseases. The blueberry health benefits and strawberry health benefits also contain antioxidants that help fight free radicals. Raspberries also contain a pigment that is responsible their blue and red color which contain compounds that have the ability to prevent many types of diseases. Raspberries not only contain vitamin C but also folate, iron, potassium, large amounts of insoluble fiber (the seeds), along with pectin which helps to control cholesterol.

Raspberries grow best if they are in rows so that the canes can be trained against wires. The first step is to clear the area of all weeds. In the latter part of summer or in early fall you want to prepare the soil by digging a trench that is spade-deep and about 2 1/2 feet wide. Fork in some compost or peat moss into the bottom of the trench about 4 gallons worth for each square yard; while doing this also add in 2 tablespoons of fertilizer for each square yard, then fill with soil.

The best time to plant raspberries is late in the fall or it can be done anytime between fall and spring. You want to dig a trench in your prepared area that is only about 3 inches deep and six to nine inches wide; next place your new plants upright in the area about 18 inches apart and spread out the roots. Now you want to cover those roots with approximately 3 inches of soil, and then tamp it down gently with your feet. You want to leave about 6 feet between each row of raspberries.

Right after you have planted all your raspberry plants you want to cut each cane back to the last good bud that is at least 9 - 12 inches above the ground. Fertilize during the fall each year. About a month before you see new growth in the spring you will want to apply about 3/4 pound of 5-10-5 fertilizer for each square yard; you want the fertilizer washed naturally into the soil. In early spring you want to put in about a 2-inch layer of garden compost or peat moss in order to conserve moisture. Water often in warm, dry spells.

It is probably best to control weeds by pulling them up by hand. Be careful to not to hoe between the raspberry canes especially while they are growing, you do not want to damage the roots that are shallow and close to the surface. You also want to protect the raspberry fruit from the birds by placing netting over top. Early in the summer of the first year after planting you want to cut off all blossoms or fruits, if you do not it will reduce the growth of future canes. You can allow the raspberry canes to bear fruit the second year. As you can see there are plenty of health benefits in raspberries.