Berry Beneficial

    Raspberries have long been touted for their powerful health benefits - they possess strong antioxidant properties and are chock full of essential and cancer-fighting ingredients.  The component in raspberries (and other berries and nuts) is a phytochemical (plant chemical) called ellagic acid.  Studies have shown that it is likely that ellagic acid has anti-angiogenic properties through its inhibition of cancer cell growth.  Moreover, it has protective properties that help to detoxify and nourish the body.  Cosmetic scientists have caught on to this notion and believe that these detoxifying, protective, antioxidant properties would be exhibited in a cosmetic formulation.  Thus far, it has been determined that ellagic acid prevents the formation of age spots, wrinkles, and other damage caused by UVB rays through the inhibition of MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) enzyme production.  MMP enzymes break down the holy grail of youth: collagen - and nobody wants that!   With the prevalence of natural ingredients in cosmetics, coinciding with the idea that what goes on the body goes in the body, it is fairly safe to say that ellagic acid would exhibit some of its rockstar qualities in a cosmetic product.  I can't wait for more research to be done on this exciting ingredient!

Ellagic Acid in Cosmetics and Toiletries
Ellagic Acid on Cancer.org