Good Afternoon Everyone!

We are on to the letter “R” in our journey through the alphabet of healthy foods!

Raspberries- 

Vividly colored and refreshingly sweet, juicy and satisfying to eat, raspberries also offer an abundance of health benefits from helping to control weight to possibly helping prevent cancer.  Although it is hard to beat the flavor and texture of fresh raspberries, they can also be frozen, freeze-dried, and even dried and powdered without losing their nutritional value.

Raspberries are available in many hybrid forms and have numerous varieties including:

• Red
• Purple
• Black
• Blue
• Golden

*For maximum health benefits snack on black raspberries!

Health Benefits:

• Increases immunity and slows down aging
• Protects against cancerous growths
• Improves vision and prevents the eye and retina from infections
• Prevents inflammation of the stomach, intestines and bones
• Aid in diabetes management by preventing blood sugar spikes
• Promotes healthy weight loss
• Improves blood circulation and cardiovascular health

For more information visit:

http://wiki-fitness.com/health-benefits-of-raspberry/

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-raspberry.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/419257-benefits-of-raspberries/

1 cup of fresh raspberries contains:

• 64 calories
• 1.5 grams of protein
• 8 grams of dietary fiber
• 14.7 grams of carbohydrates

Some great and healthy recipes for raspberries include:

Raspberry Honey Parfait – http://www.eat-yourself-skinny.com/2013/01/raspberry-honey-parfait.html

Raspberry, Chicken, Feta and Hemp Salad  – http://noshingwiththenolands.com/raspberry-chicken-and-feta-salad/

Healthy Raspberry Blueberry Smoothie – http://thetoughcookie.com/2014/02/18/healthy-raspberry-blueberry-smoothie/

Energizing Beet Smoothie with Raspberries and Chia Seeds – http://thetoughcookie.com/2014/04/29/energizing-beet-smoothie-with-raspberries-and-chia-seeds/

 

Radishes- 

While many vegetables have been pushed upon us at the dinner table as kids, you don’t often hear “eat your radishes honey.”  Radishes have a host of health benefits but are typically under-appreciated.  They are definitely a food we need to start paying more attention to and eating on a daily basis. 

9 Reasons To Eat Your Radishes:

1. They are a naturally cooling food, meaning they are able to decrease excess heat in the body that can build up during the warmer months
2. Can help to fight a cold by eliminating excess mucus in the body, clearing the sinuses, and soothing a soar throat
3. Help to break down food and toxins and aid in digestion
4. Regular consumption can help prevent viral infections because of their high vitamin C content
5. Help to break down and eliminate toxins in the body
6. Protect against cancer
7.  They have a calming effect on the digestive system and can help relieve bloating and indigestion
8. Low in calories and high in nutrients
9. Can help to keep your body hydrated and your skin looking fresh and healthy

For more information visit:

http://www.fullcircle.com/goodfoodlife/2012/05/14/9-reasons-to-eat-your-radishes/

For more nutritional information go to: http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2606/2

Some great and healthy recipes for radishes include:

Radishes with Creamy Ricotta – http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/radishes-creamy-ricotta

Radish Tea Sandwiches with Creamy Dill Spread – http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/radish_tea_sandwiches_creamy_dill_spread.html

Radish and Arugula Crostini with Brie – http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/radish-arugula-crostini-brie

Cold Radish-Cucumber Soup – http://food52.com/recipes/17605-cold-radish-cuke-soup