New scientific research has discovered that the colourful red pigments found in raspberries and strawberries could prevent and even suppress the development of obesity; potentially an exciting development for an issue that is becoming increasingly of concern in the Western world.

The scientific breakthrough comes from the University of Chubu in Japan, where a study found that the colourful red pigments – anthocyanins – particularly found in raspberries as well as strawberries appear to modulate the way that fat cells take up and release fatty contents. Laboratory work found that increasing these dietary anthocyanins can significantly oppress the development of obesity when mice are fed a very high-fat diet. This supplementation also prevented the development of hyperglycemia, also commonly induced by a high-fat diet.

The results of the Chubu study are the latest in a long list of recognised health benefits of eating berries. In brief, all berries are fat free and low in calories; for example a 200g bowl of strawberries has just 54 calories and the same size bowl of raspberries has 50 calories. Berries are a good source of vitamin C, vital for boosting immunity, skin quality and the ability of the skin to absorb iron, which is needed for energy. Berries are also a good source of fibre and blood pressure-balancing potassium. Varied studies have also concluded that a diet rich in berries can help to prevent a range of cancers. According to research at the Indiana University School of Medicine in the US, ellegic acid in raspberries protect healthy cells from developing into cancer cells. In addition, berries have high quantities of anthocyanins, ellagic acid, isothiocyanates and quercitin which are all anti-cancer nutrients.

British berries are available now in supermarkets across the UK.