Blackberry has many health-promoting properties. Amongst many blackberries are a rich source of fibre, which reduces the absorption of unhealthy fats and thus reduces the risk of heart disease. In addition, they accelerate metabolism, making them a desirable component of a slimming diet. Check what other health properties of blackberries are.
Blackberries
Blackberry looks like a raspberry, but its shoots are longer and much more spiky than raspberry shoots, and the fruits are usually dark purple or black.
The healing properties of blackberries have already been used in traditional folk medicine. Blackberry-based juice was made, which was then used for colds and to strengthen the body and fight minor infections.
In turn, the infusion of blackberry leaves was used as an anti-diarrhoea treatment, and the decoction was used for feverish and flu.
Blackberries can prevent cancer
Due to the high content of antioxidants, blackberries have been placed on the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) list, i.e. a list of products that highly protect the body against the damaging effects of reactive oxygen species. By increasing the consumption of fruit and vegetables, especially those with a high ORAC value, you can significantly increase the level of antioxidants in the bloodstream by up to 15-20 per cent.
Blackberries can prevent eye diseases
Blackberries can reduce the risk of developing serious macular degeneration due to the high content of vitamin C and E. The risk of this chronic, progressive eye disease is also reduced by these anthocyanins, which fight all inflammations of the retina of the eye and reduce high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for the development of AMD.
Blackberries for healthy bones
Vitamin K contained in blackberries plays an important role in the formation of the correct form of osteocalcin (a protein found in bone tissue). Vitamin K deficiency can lead to abnormal osteocalcin production, which in turn can reduce bone density and increase the risk of fractures.
Also, blackberries contain two interacting minerals, calcium and magnesium, which are involved in the formation of bone tissue.
Magnesium is necessary for the proper absorption of calcium in the bones, while calcium is the basic building block of bones.
Blackberries will alleviate PMS and menopause symptoms
Phytoestrogens contained in blackberries are naturally occurring plant estrogens that act in the human body like female hormones.
Therefore, they can help relieve the typical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and even menopause symptoms, including the most severe hot flashes.
Blackberries regulate blood sugar levels
Blackberries belong to products with a low glycemic index (IG blackberries = 25), therefore they can be consumed by people suffering from diabetes. The more that they contain a large amount of fibre, which slows down the absorption of carbohydrates in the digestive tract, thanks to which it helps to maintain a constant blood sugar level.
Also, University of Illinois researchers have found that blackberries also contain other compounds that effectively inhibit the enzymes responsible for carbohydrate absorption.
Their results show that blackberries are effective in inhibiting the action of two basic carbohydrate metabolism enzymes - alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. The researchers assume that blackberries can be just as effective as anti-diabetic drugs.
Blackberries and slimming
Blackberries, thanks to their low calorie (43 kcal in 100 g), are an excellent component of a slimming diet. Besides, they are a rich source of pectin - a soluble dietary fibre, which under the influence of water increases its volume and fills the stomach for a long time, giving a longer feeling of satiety.
One cup of blackberries contains about 8 out of 25 grams of fibre that our body needs every day.
