Here are four reasons these summer berries are good for you, and some delicious ways to add them to your diet.

If you've been hitting your local pick your own farm, or just stocking up at the grocery story, good news: those tart but tasty raspberries you've been devouring have some serious health benefits. Here's how they boost your health.

1. Raspberries contain a high amount of antioxidants (50% more than strawberries!) and are known mostly for their high levels of ellagic acid. Ellagic acid helps to prevent damage from free radicals, a group of odd numbered electrons that can cause damage when they react with DNA.

2. Some research has indicated that raspberries help ward off cancer.

3. They contain vitamin C, giving your immune system a boost every time you eat these tasty suckers.

4. Eating fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidant vitamins (like vitamin A, C and E) as well as cartenoids help protect your eyes from age-related macular degeneration. Add a handful of raspberries to you morning oatmeal to keep your eyes healthy.

4 delicious recipes to try

> Raspberry-chocolate smoothies

> One-pint raspberry jam

> Raspberry frozen yogurt

> Raspberry balsamic vinaigrette