Top Health Benefits of Blackberry
A few days ago, I put up a post about pie and the different types of pie. There was a particular recipe that contained blackberries (botanical name: robus fruticosis) and discovering that recipe made me realize just how awesome blackberries are, and I want to share some of that delicious awesomeness with you. Blackberries are often overlooked as fruits that make frequent features in popular fruit drinks and gummy bears, but beyond being delicious fruits, they are also loaded with amazing health benefits that may come as a surprise to many. Here are some of the benefits of blackberry:
They May Slow Cancer Growth
Cancer is becoming increasingly more widespread around the world, and so it may be worth your while to begin to know the types of foods and fruits that have the power to slow down cancer. Blackberries contain high concentration of polyphenols – an antioxidant, which which help reduce damage caused by free radicals to our bodies. Anthocyanin, a type of polyphenol which specifically acts as a strong weapon against cancer is known to help block the mutation of cancerous cells. Blackberries are also rich in vitamin K which may also be responsible for its cancer-blocking properties One serving of blackberries has over a third of the daily recommended value of vitamin K, which plays an active role in helping prevent and fight prostate, colon, stomach, nasal, oral and liver cancers.
Helps Maintain And Improve Brain Functions
The brain is one of the most important and delicate parts of the human body. It makes or breaks how we interact with the world around us, and so it is important that we take care of the brain, not just by exercising it (which is very important), but by also eating the right kinds of food. Blackberries specifically helps to improve brain functions. Studies focused on motor skills and short-term memory performance find that blackberries have the high potential to improve and increase the sharpness and dexterity of the brain. Insufficient amount of manganese in the body has been associated with brain deficiencies such as epilepsy. In order to keep your synapses intact and functioning at the highest level, you need an ample amount of manganese which can be found in blackberries.
Act as Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Because blackberries are highly rich in antioxidants, they should be the top foods that you consume to protect your body from all levels of oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and certain diseases. Anti-inflammatory foods often go hand in hand with foods that are rich in antioxidants and blackberries are no exception. Blackberries are loaded with powerful antioxidants called flavonoids; not only do they reduce existing inflammation, they also have the natural ability to condition our cells to have healthier responses to inflammation.
Digestive And Cardiovascular Health
The amount of fiber that is present in blackberries aids digestion and may play a role in reducing one’s cholesterol levels. This in-turn helps fight cardiovascular disease. One cup of blackberries provides almost eight grams of fiber, which makes up about 20 to 30 percent of the daily fiber recommendations for men and women. The vitamin A in blackberries, which I have mentioned before, also supports your digestive tract by helping to keep up healthy mucous membranes, such as the tissues that line the inside of your mouth. Active ingredients in blackberries perform versatile functions within the body.
Skeletal Benefits
Vitamins C and vitamin K and the trace mineral manganese in blackberries all benefit your bones. Vitamin K activates the necessary proteins that are needed to deposit new bone and mineral tissue, which is a process that is essential to maintaining strong bones in the body. Every serving of blackberries contains about 29 mg (micrograms) of vitamin K. The Vitamin C content contained in blackberries also helps to boost the synthesis of collagen, which is a protein that is actively abundant in bone tissue. A cup of blackberries provides about 30 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C, which is about 40 percent of the recommended daily intake for women, and 33 percent of the recommended daily intake for men. Manganese also helps to promote collagen production in the body and activates the enzymes that are essential for bone development. Each cup of berries provides roughly half the manganese requirements for women and 40 percent of the daily recommended intake for men. In summary, blackberries are a top-notch choice if you are looking to improve your bone and skeletal health.
They Are Good For Your Skin
Often times we forget that our skin’s appearance is a direct reflection of what we eat. Our skin plays a vital role in our outer appearance. If you want to maintain good skin, a good daily (consistent) supply of vital nutrients is required to keep your skin glowing and healthy. Blackberries are rich in vitamin A and Vitamin C. I also stated in my last point that they offer the highest levels of some antioxidants. Their antioxidant levels are even higher than those of other berries such as blueberries and strawberries. Because blackberries are comprised of over 85% of (delicious) water, and an abundant dose of fiber, both of these are essential for a healthy-looking skin. The consumption of blackberries also helps to detoxify the body as well as maintain the elasticity of the skin. If you didn’t know this before, now you know and this may be a good time to incorporate blackberries in your diet to keep your skin looking young and vibrant.
Blackberries Are Excellent For Hair Growth
So you want good hair, right? Blackberries might just be it. The high level of antioxidants that are present in blackberries is what helps it to be especially great for hair care. The Vitamin C level in blackberries is largely responsible for collagen production in the human body which helps with strong and healthy hair. The antioxidants contained in blackberries also help to fight off the harmful and damaging effects of environmental pollution on one’s hair. The application of the fruit extract in the hair is also known to add instant volume, luster, and bounce.
Conclusion
Peculiar for their juicy and tangy-sweet taste, blackberries are a summertime berry and a favorite addition to both salads and smoothies. Their rich, dark color is a sign of their high antioxidant levels, and a symbolism for fighting cancer, and other degenerative diseases. There is no shortage of nutrients when it comes to this little fruit, as it is generously loaded with impressive amounts of vitamins A, E, K, and B vitamins, fiber, antioxidants zeaxanthin, lutein, and an array of flavonoids.
As you shop for blackberries in the store, do not forget that blackberries are best consumed in their natural state. Freezing them can also preserve their nutrients, even though the texture may change.
