Blackberry is a delicious fruit that finds a reference even in the bible, taking back its origin to the ancient times. A soft and juicy fruit, it grows on thorny bushes or trailing vines, in the form of a cluster of tiny druplets. Each of these druplets comprises of a seed, which stands surrounded by the fleshy part. Blackberries can be consumed in various forms - fresh, frozen and canned. Apart from that, they are commonly made into jams, juices, syrups, desserts and even wine. Blackberries bestow a number of health and nutritional benefits on their consumers. If you want to know more about them, read further.
Nutritional Value of Blackberry
Given below is the amount of nutrients in 100 gm of blackberry:
- Water - 86 gm
- Energy - 52 kcal (218 kj)
- Protein - 0.720 gm
- Fats - 0.390 gm
- Carbohydrate - 12.76 gm
- Total Dietary Fiber - 5.3 gm
- Calcium - 32 mg
- Iron - 0.57 mg
- Magnesium - 20 mg
- Phosphorus - 21 mg
- Potassium - 196 mg
- Zinc - 0.27 mg
- Copper - 0.14 mg
- Manganese - 1.3 mg
- Selenium - 0.6 mcg
- Vitamin C - 21 mg
- Folate - 34 mcg
- Vitamin A - 165 IU
- Vitamin A - 16 mcg
- Vitamin E - 0.710 mg
Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Blackberries
- Being rich in antioxidants, blackberries help the body in fighting free radicals and thus, avoid various types of cancer, especially breast and cervical cancer.
- Yet another benefit that arises from the antioxidants in blackberries comprises of protection against chronic disease.
- The high tannin content, and the resultant antiseptic and astringent properties, of blackberries makes them good for tightening tissues as well as treating minor bleeding.
- Consumption of blackberry has been found to be beneficial for those suffering from diarrhea and intestinal inflammation.
- Mild infections, like sore throats and mouth irritations, can be treated with the help of blackberries.
- Blackberries have been used to alleviate hemorrhoids also, another property that arises from their high tannin content.
- Blackberries have been found to have anti-bacterial properties and can even help cleanse blood.
- Regular consumption of blackberries has been seen to delay the process of ageing.
- It is believed that the cyanidin-3-O-glucoside present in blackberry exerts protective benefits against endothelial dysfunction and vascular failure induced by peroxynitrite.
- Blackberries are known to contain salicylate, an analgesic or pain reliever, which might help lower the risk of heart diseases.
- A dilute tea made out of the leaves, roots, or stem bark of blackberries can be used to treat dysentery.
- Regular consumption of blackberries can help strengthen the blood vessels in your body.
- Blackberries serve as a great source of ellagic acid, which is known to have antiviral properties.
- The high fiber content in blackberries helps maintain digestive health, control blood sugar, lose weight and lower cholesterol levels.
- The flavonoids present in blackberries promote vision health, by preventing macular degeneration.