Berry Skinny
Sweet, luscious, and loaded with healthy antioxidants, raspberries are a favorite summer fruit. But recent studies show that raspberry ketone (RK), the component in red raspberries that gives them their rich color and heavenly scent, may actually help facilitate changes in metabolism that can help decrease body fat. The original study, which involved mice, was conducted by the Department of Medical Biochemistry at the Ehime University School of Medicine near Tokyo, and was published in the May 2005 issue of Life Sciences. Researchers found that the chemical structure of RK resembles that of synephrine, found in bitter oranges, and capsaicin, found in red peppers. The researchers involved in the study suggest that like synephrine and capsaicin, RK has the ability to modify lipid metabolism, leading to a reduction in fatty deposits, notably the deep fat stored around the liver and other organs. Products containing concentrated levels of RK have been available in Japan for several years, and the compound has recently begun to show up in body-building supplements available in the U.S. If you’re struggling to keep your weight in check, or want to lose a few pounds, we suggest adding fresh raspberries to your diet until further studies guarantee the safety of high levels of RK taken as a supplement.
