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