Raspberry ketone, also known as Rasketone, is the primary flavor compound of red raspberries, which is warm, sweet and very fruity. Its major culinary use is as a food additive to impart the fruity raspberry flavor to various dishes that include jellies, confectionery, ice creams, juices, and various other desserts. This natural phenolic compound is also used to a great extent in the cosmetic and perfumery industries. This ketone is known to help reduce weight to a great extent; hence, a raspberry ketone rich diet is recommended for obese people.
Production
Raspberry ketone can be naturally extracted from red raspberries; however, the yield is very low, hence it is manufactured industrially on large scale. Chemical intermediates are used for preparing this ketone and one such way is through the process of crossed aldol-catalytic hydrogenation; wherein certain compounds go through this process and yield almost 99% of this ketone.
Culinary Uses
- Raspberry ketone is basically used as a food additive. This fruity flavored additive has many uses in the preparation of various candies, ice creams, jelly based foods, etc.
- It is also used for flavoring liqueurs and various alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- It is used as a supplement in various weight reduction related foods.
Natural Sources
Other than in red raspberry fruit, the raspberry ketone compound is naturally present in rhubarb, kiwi, yew plant, and coffee.
Health Benefits
Raspberries are known to be high in anti-oxidants, which help in the proper functioning of the body. Moreover, because of the ability of raspberry ketone to cut down on the body fat, this enzyme is believed to have a direct impact on the fat cells in the body.
This enzyme is also known to control blood pressure, thus ensuring proper functioning of the human heart.
Special Diet
Raspberry ketone is added as a supplement with various other ingredients, to result in a diet that helps in reducing weight and these ingredients include African Mango extract, Acai Berry extract, Kelp, Grapefruit extract, caffeine, and Resveratrol and apple cider vinegar.
