Raspberry seed oil is oil extracted from the seeds of the raspberry fruit, usually by using cold-pressing methods. Oil from the raspberry’s seeds may be extracted from red or black raspberries and used raw or may be used as an ingredient to create various other raspberry products. Research shows that this type of oil has certain healing properties since it is rich in antioxidants and other nutrients, as well as containing useful antiviral and antibacterial properties. Raspberry seed oil is also used to make raspberry flavored jams, syrups and liqueurs.
Historically, researchers have discovered several early uses of raspberries. As a fruit, it has long been enjoyed for its sweet flavor, but its leaves have also been used to create teas, and raspberry juice has even been used as a remedy for various digestive upsets. In more recent studies, scientists have discovered that the raspberry seed, in particular the oil from the raspberry seed, also has certain properties beneficial in lowering cholesterol, protecting against heart disease and protecting the skin from sun damage.
While being rich in antioxidants, studies suggest that the fruit may also prevent cancerous cells from developing or spreading because of its ellagic acid, a substance that is a natural enemy to cancer. Scientific evidence suggests that raspberry seed oil may inhibit the formation of skin cancer since it not only contains ellagic acid but it also guards against harmful ultraviolet rays when directly applied to the skin. Other cancers that raspberry seed oil and the raspberry fruit may protect against include liver cancer, colon cancer and lung cancer.
As many skin cancer patients have tried topical raspberry seed oil in the form of manufactured products and creams, some report that they have not been effective in halting or reversing that particular type of cancer, but that raspberry creams do have a very moisturizing and soothing effect on damaged skin. While raspberry seed oil is often sold in health food stores, as are other raspberry products, research indicates that people experience significantly greater results when consuming the actual raspberry fruit. Even as a dietary supplement, however, raspberry seed oil contains very little saturated fat while maintaining high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, leading many who enjoy the fruit for its taste and curative properties to conclude that it is healthy to consume on a daily basis.
