Now experts have revealed raspberries could play a key role in helping to control blood sugar – or glucose.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin produced does not work properly and can be linked to lifestyle factors such as being overweight.
People have been known to reverse the condition by making changes to their diet.
There have been numerous reports into the beneficial impact of raspberries on the condition.
A study by experts revealed mice fed freeze dried raspberries for 12 weeks, showed signs of improved insulin resistance and reduced inflammation in muscles while eating a high-fat diet.
Researchers from the Centre for Nutrition Research at the Illinois Institute of Technology looked at the effects of eating two cups of raspberries with meals.
The participants were obese individuals with pre diabetes and healthy weight individuals with a normal concentration of sugar in the blood.
The researchers found participants experienced significant reduction in blood sugar levels after eating a meal when they had eaten two cups of red raspberries – compared to eating no raspberries.
The glucose lowering was also accompanied with less insulin – which suggest improved insulin sensitivity in individuals with pre diabetes and insulin resistance.
“Turns out what is good for the heart, is also good for the brain,” said Britt M. Burton-Freeman, PhD, MS of the Centre for Nutrition Research, Institute for Food Safety and Health, Illinois Institute of Technology, and lead author of the study.
“That is what is particularly interesting about the research on red raspberries – their potential to help reduce factors contributing to metabolic syndrome which has implications for diabetes development and overall cardiovascular health.”
Expert have also suggested components in raspberries could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity and Alzheimer’s disease.
Experts have also said other berries could offer benefits to people with type 2 diabetes.
Anthocyanins are compounds found in a wife range of berries including blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and cherries are linked to lower fasting plasma glucose levels and greater insulin sensitivity.
Raspberries are also high in fibre which can reduce high blood sugar.
Recent evidence has also claimed removing every day foods like bread and pasta from diets can reverse type 2 diabetes.
This comes after it was revealed implanting sponges could help lower blood sugar levels and boost weight loss.