Five Benefits Of Eating Raspberries

They’re Low in Sugar

Raspberries are also one of the lowest-sugar fruits, at just 2.7 grams per 100-gram portion, per the USDA, compared to about 13 grams in one small apple. This makes them a great option for anyone with a sweet tooth who wants to minimize their overall sugar intake.

They’re Rich in Anti-aging Antioxidants

Raspberries are antioxidant powerhouses with their high vitamin C content. According to the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), studies show that higher intakes of antioxidant-rich fruits such as raspberries are associated with a lower risk of chronic stress-related diseases like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and deaths from all causes.

Free radicals can cause “oxidative stress,” a process that can trigger cell damage. But, in laboratory experiments, antioxidant molecules have been shown to counteract oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

Raspberry antioxidants also help reduce inflammation, a known trigger of premature aging. The natural protective substances in raspberries are also linked to better DNA repair and blocking enzymes that trigger arthritis pain.

They Can Protect You From Cancer

Raspberry antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds are associated with cancer protection by reducing the reproduction of cancer cells. Raspberries are among the few plant foods that provide a source of ellagitannins and anthocyanins, according to a 2016 study in Advanced Nutrition.

Raspberries Are High in Fiber

Raspberries are among the highest whole food sources of dietary fiber, providing 6.5 g/100 g according to the Advanced Nutrition study— a third of the daily minimum goal. That fiber also contributes to fullness, blunts blood sugar by slowing digestion, and supports good digestive health, per the National Library of Medicine’s Medline Plus.

Raspberries Sharpen Your Brain and Memory

As noted above, raspberries help counter oxidative stress, which is essentially an imbalance between the production of cell-damaging free radicals and the body’s ability to fight off their harmful effects. Because oxidative stress is a causative factor in diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, raspberries are a top brain-supporting food. The flavonoids in berries have also been shown to help improve coordination, memory, and mood, according to Harvard Medical School.

Six Amazing Facts About Andorra

Andorra doesn’t have an airport. One of the craziest facts about Andorra is that it’s among the few countries in the world which don’t have an airport. And since it doesn’t have a coastline, you can reach Andorra only by land from France or Spain. If you want to explore the tiny principality, the best way to do so is on a day trip from Barcelona to Andorra. The nearest international airports are in Barcelona, Spain and Toulouse, France.

Andorra is microscopic. It’s the 16th smallest country globally by area, the 11th smallest by population. In terms of land, Andorra is just 181 sq. mi (468 sq. km). This makes it 3.3x smaller than London or 1.66x tinier than New York. You can get from one end of the country to the opposite in less than an hour. To drive across Andorra, you’ll only need to cover 25 mi (40 km). The ride takes around 50-60 minutes because it meanders around the craggy mountaintops.

Andorra is the only co-principality in the world. A principality is a state that’s ruled by a prince. An example of a principality is Monaco. However, Andorra is not a principality but a co-principality. Why? Because two princes rule the country together. The following might be the craziest fact about Andorra: neither of them was born in the tiny country! One of them is the French president. The other one is the Bishop of Urgell, Spain. Currently, they are Emmanuel Macron and Joan Enric Vives Sicília.

Andorra is the only country in the world, which has Catalan as its official language. Catalan is spoken in several regions of Spain, in a few spots in France, and on the island of Sardinia. But the only country that uses Catalan as its official language is Andorra.

Andorra is a heaven for retail trade. Due to the low or nonexistent taxes and the lack of customs duties, the country turned into an important international center of retail trade. Every year, it attracts millions of shoppers from Europe and beyond. Ever wanted to go nuts on shopping? Well, that’s one of the best things to do in Andorra.

The country receives the most tourists per capita in the world. This is one of most surprising facts about Andorra. Over 10 million tourists visit the tiny 77,000-people country every year. Most of them are either French or Spanish citizens. They travel to Andorra for duty-free shopping or to visit the country’s magnificent resorts. Another mind-blowing Andorra fact is that tourism comprises 80% of the total GDP!