With their velvety texture and terrific taste, it's no wonder that raspberries are a summertime favorite. These berries may be small but their health benefits are big. Raspberries are an excellent source of fiber, manganese, and vitamin C; a very good source of copper; and a good source of folate, potassium, vitamin E and K, and more.
When buying raspberries, keep these tips in mind: organic raspberries have been shown to have higher antioxidant capacity than non-organic raspberries, and raspberries that are fully ripe offer the most antioxidant support. The antioxidants found in raspberries help to fight against free radicals, help regulate the activity of enzymes that might trigger unwanted inflammation, and help lower the risk of chronic diseases that are associated with chronic oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.
Here is a decadent yet healthy raspberry treat you can make at home, and you don't even need an ice cream maker.
Raspberry Frozen Yogurt with Bittersweet Chips
Ingredients
3 cups fresh raspberries
2 cups low-fat plain yogurt
⅓ cup sugar
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup bittersweet chocolate chips
Directions
In a food processor, process raspberries, yogurt, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spoon the mixture into a 9- by 13-inch pan. Set pan in the freezer. Stir the mixture every few hours (for a total of 2 to 6 hours) until semi-firm in the center and firm along the edges. Transfer the mixture back into a food processor; process until smooth. Place mixture into an airtight container. Add chocolate pieces to mixture; stir. Cover and freeze until ready to serve. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Can be stored for up to 1 week. SERVES 8