We have all heard about the benefits of berries. Loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber and bioactive polyphenols. These tiny colorful fruits truly do pack a punch proving time and time again that they have a positive effect on human health and are a go to for medicinal properties.

Among one of the most beneficial components of the berries are ellagitannins that are most concentrated in the seeds of the fruit. Studies have shown that raspberry ellagitannins found in raspberry seeds can have a positive health influence on the cardiovascular system (Larrosa et al 2010)Thetwo major ellagitannins in raspberry seeds are Sanguiin H-6 and Lambertianin C.

Sanguiin H-6 has been shown to induce cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines (HeLa and HL-60) but not normal human fibroblasts (Krauze-Baranowska et al 2014). It has also shown antimicrobial properties against several species including Helicobacter pylori, Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Moraxella catarrhalis.

In addition to  this, the following studies were able to link the observed effects to the ellagitannin containing fraction of the raspberry extract to the following benefits including prevention of oxidation of LDL cholesterol (Kahkonen et al 2012), vasodilation (Mullen et al 2002), protection of human lymphocyte DNA, which can indicate possible cancer prevention activity (Godevac et al 2011), antiproliferative activity against HeLa cells (Ross et al 2007), α-amylase inhibition (McDougall et al 2005) and possible vaso protection (Schini-Kerth et al 2011).

The consumption, absorption, and metabolism of raspberry ellagitannins are quite well studied. It is known that ellagic acid is poorly bioavailable (Serran et al 2004). Ellagitannins are surprisingly stable in the acidic environment of the stomach and begin to break down upon entering the small intestine (Daniel et al).  Eventually, the ellagitannins will break down into ellagic acid. The raspberry ellagitannins themselves are not absorbed into the blood stream at all. Ellagic acid, continues through the intestines and into the colon where many important bacteria live. Some of these bacteria metabolize ellagic acid and form compounds called urolithins (Larrosa et al 2010).
 
In addition to the health benefits of the berry seed powders, it is a sustainable solution, utilizing a component of the berry that is often discarded in food manufacturing for products such as berry flavored yogurts, bars, purees and jams.  Manufacturers like Nutraberry are proud members of the Upcycled Food Association. 

Being a part of the Upcycled Food Association means that no part of the berry seed goes to waste. In addition to berry seed powders, we also offer berry seed oils.  Raspberry seed oil is high in ALA omega 3 oils making up about 30% of the oil’s content. These omega 3 oils are high in anti-inflammatory properties.  Raspberry seed oils are also high in antioxidants, including Vitamins A and E.  Both well known for their skin boosting benefits, when applied topically Vitamin E from raspberry seed absorbs well penetrating the cellular membranes (Oomah et al 2000).

Studies have also shown that raspberry seed oil protects the skin from UV – induced skin damage, measuring to have a sun protective factor (SPF) between 29-50 (Niculae et al 2014).

Next time you are enjoying your fresh berries, remember those little seeds that often get stuck in your teeth are loaded with benefits and are a wonderful addition to your next food, nutritional, or personal care project.  References available upon request.