Black Raspberries and Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease affecting the large intestine. The lining becomes inflamed and develops tiny open sores (ulcers) that contain mucous and pus. Ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease) sufferers can experience loss of appetite due to the disease and its accompanying symptoms, but research is showing it may be in their best interest to eat at least one food item: black raspberries. Black raspberries are astonishingly high in antioxidants. Antioxidants absorb oxygen free radicals which can damage DNA and cause unwanted cellular changes. The black raspberry’s dark color provides it with anti inflammatory properties. Black raspberries are also rich in ellagic acid which is anti-carcinogenic, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial. A study conducted at Ohio State University showed a 60-80% reduction in colon tumors who consumed black raspberries. With such a strong case being made for this delicious fruit, it may be worth the while to make it a part of a healthy diet, today. Montrose DC, Horelik NA, Madigan JP, Stoner GD, Wang LS, Bruno RS, Park HJ, Giardina C, Rosenberg DW. Anti-inflammatory effects of freeze-dried black raspberry powder in ulcerative colitis. Carcinogenesis. 2011 Mar;32(3):343-50. doi: 10.1093/carcin/bgq248. Epub 2010 Nov 23. PubMed PMID: 21098643; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3047236. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21098643