When it comes to reaping amazing health benefits from natural foods, the benefits of blackberries can’t be overlooked. While there are great many amazing berries out there, blackberries are one of the healthiest types you will come across. Even though blackberries are commonly found proudly displayed in the produce areas of grocery stores, people often overlook purchasing them for various reasons.
For one, people feel that blackberries are straight-up ugly. I know, that sounds nuts, but the truth is, blackberries are visually unappealing and that can turn off a great many potential consumers. Blackberries taste bitter and less sweet than their other berry rivals, such as blueberries and strawberries. Who wants a blackberry shake or muffin? No one (at least no one normal). Their unsightly appearances and bitter taste keep often keep the benefits of blackberries from truly being embraced by the masses, and that’s no good. I’d like to change all that!
Let’s discuss some of the amazing health rewards that people who choose to eat blackberries can reap.
Benefits Of Blackberries
Blackberries May Prevent Cancer
Blackberries are loaded with vital antioxidants. The type of antioxidants present in blackberries, known as polyphenols, is renowned for their ability to stave off cancer. One specific polyphenol, anthocyanin, is especially linked to success in helping to fight cancer cells. These anthocyanins are found in high density in the blackberry. Here is science showing that the antioxidants in blackberries are potentially preventive against lung cancer. Science shows that the anthocyanins stop or slow these particular lung cancer cells from growing and replicating. This science also exists for blackberries and the prevention of lung tumors.
Blackberries are also a great source of vitamin K, which in turn, helps to prevent cancers such as colon, oral, nasal, prostate, and liver cancers. Cancer is the number one killer in the United States, anything we can do to help prevent it on a daily basis simply makes good sense.
Blackberries May Reduce Inflammation
As mentioned, blackberries are loaded with beneficial antioxidants, making them a key natural food that helps to reduce inflammation. Inflammation has been linked to cancer, heart disease, obesity and so much more. Western diets which are high in omega 6 fatty acid oils have created an epidemic of inflammation.
Inflammation is a normal human body process that’s intended to help fight disease. The problem is, we are putting in sources of foods into our bodies that signal our bodies to respond to inflammation. Some inflammation is normal, a lot is dangerous, and many Americans are battling the latter. Blackberries have been shown by science to help lower bouts of inflammation.
Blackberries May Improve Memory
If you struggle with memory and general brain function, blackberries may serve you well. That is if you can remember to eat them each day. I’m kidding, sort of. Manganese is one of the brain’s most essential nutrients, something the blackberry possesses in spades. Manganese is so essential to brain function, that studies have shown people with epilepsy are often deficient in it. Blackberries seem to be especially powerful at improving short-term memory.
Blackberries May Be Good For Your Skin
Want to keep your skin healthy and glowing and vibrant? Consider the benefits of blackberries and start ingesting them daily. Blackberries can reportedly help prevent sun damage from your skin, while also stimulating collagen production.
Blackberry Nutritional Benefits
Blackberries are loaded with both vitamin C and manganese. Blackberries also provide a vital source for vitamin K. A serving of blackberries, which is roughly 15 of them, are high in sugar (just under 15 grams). So those on a lower carb diet should take note, however, blackberries are also extremely high in fiber (over 7 grams) which can help blunt the effects of rapid carb absorption.
Blackberries are also high in copper, folate, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, vitamin A, iron, niacin, zinc, phosphorus, and calcium.
Blackberries In Diet
You can buy a smoothie mix that already has blackberries in it, my top 10 superfood green drink reviews list has a great many awesome ones to choose from. You can also eat them straight up if you don’t mind the bitter taste profile. To be honest, I enjoy blackberries so long as they are fresh and ripe. When they overripe, they tend to get this soggy texture which is a bit of a turn-off for me. Otherwise, I enjoy eating them alone.
I’ve also blended them up in smoothies. They have hard seeds, so expect to add some texture to any smoothie you mix them into I will say this, although blackberries are bitter, they are quickly neutralized when added to smoothies or any other foods. For example, I add blackberries to salads and to oatmeal. In both cases, you won’t taste any of the bitter profile.
Benefits Of Blackberries | Conclusion
Blackberries are an easy way to get much-needed antioxidants and vital nutrients into your diet. The one downside to blackberries is that they tend to be pricey. Often, baskets of blueberries hover around the $5 mark at the grocery store. But what’s your health worth? Having a good, well-rounded diet that includes blackberries on a weekly basis can vastly improve your health markers.
Source: SuperFoodDrinks
