Raspberries and Postprandial Metabolism

Raspberries are high in several phytochemicals, vitamin C and B vitamins and have been shown to be potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. However, human interventional studies reporting the effects of raspberries in obesity, T2DM and associated oxidative stress and inflammation are limited. Aims, objectives and methods: Aim 1: To assess the effects of raspberries in postprandial glycemia and lipemia following a high-fat fast-food style meal challenge versus control group Objectives: to execute this aim, the investigators will conduct analyses of serum glucose, insulin and lipids (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol) at fasting (baseline) and at postprandial 1,2,4 hours of high-fat, fast food style breakfast consumption. The investigators will also calculate homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) at these time points using serum glucose and insulin values. Aim 2: To assess the effects of raspberries in postprandial vascular functions (blood pressure and artery elasticity) and inflammation following a high-fat fast food style meal challenge versus control group Objectives: to execute this aim, the investigators will measure C-reactive protein (CRP) and the following parameters of vascular function associated with CVD at fasting (baseline) and at postprandial 1,2,4 hours of high-fat, fast food style breakfast consumption: systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure large artery elasticity index and small artery elasticity index systemic vascular resistance

Postprandial blood glucose will be measured at fasting, 1, 2 and 4 hours following meals with or without raspberries

Postprandial blood lipids will be measured at fasting, 1, 2 and 4 hours following meals with or without raspberries

Postprandial C-reactive protein and interleukins will be measured at fasting, 1, 2 and 4 hours following meals with or without raspberries