Health benefits of Blackberries | Top Reasons to Eat Them

The health benefits and uses of blackberries

1. Blackberries are known as some of the tastiest and healthiest berries in the world. These have been consumed for over 2000 years and have some powerful health benefits for the human body.

2. Blackberries are taken from bushes known as ‘Rubus’ in the Rosaceae family. These can be consumed fresh, dried or steeped in hot water to make berry tea.

3. Many people eat blackberries to boost brain health and help them to concentrate. They contain a very high amount of manganese which strengthens the synapses in the brain. They can also protect your brain cells from degeneration due to their high concentration of polyphenols.

4. Blackberries are ranked as one of the top 10 highest-antioxidant foods in the world and are packed full of Vitamin C and other healing compounds. These antioxidants help the body to fight off diseases and illnesses, and boost the immune system to prevent infection.

5. Dark berries like blackberries, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries contain special pigments called anthocyanins. These give the berries their dark red or blue colour and have been shown to help fight cancer cells. Anthocyanins in blackberries also help to lower the risk of cancer with age by protecting the body from oxidative stress.

6. The anthocyanins in blackberrries also have some anti-aging benefits, especially for the skin. Eating a small handful each day can promote glowing, healthy skin and reduce skin problems like acne or dermatitis. The Vitamin C also promotes collagen production in the skin and prevents it from drying out.

7. The leaves of the blackberry bush can also be steeped in hot water to make blackberry leaf tea. This is used as a natural remedy for diarrhea and to help regulate menstrual periods in women. It can also be used as a gargle for throat inflammation or as a healing compress for wounds and rashes.

8. As we get older, dangerous free radicals can cause damage to the body. If left unchecked they lead to faster aging and a higher risk of cancer, eye disorders, diabetes and many more illnesses. The phytochemicals found in raspberries destroy free radicals from the body, helping you to stay healthy.

9. It is important to note that all fruit should be eaten in moderation, as it does contain sugar which can have negative effects if eaten in high amounts. The good news however, is that blackberries are some of the lowest sugar fruits on the planet and have a high amount of fibre which helps the body to process the sugar.

10. If you are diabetic or suffer with insulin resistance then blackberries can help. Stop consuming grains and refined sugars and replace these foods with healthy berries. These help the cells to accept sugar and reduce the risk of blood sugar spikes.

11. Blackberries contain lots of Vitamin K which helps to regulate the hormones in both women and men. This is excellent for reducing cramping pains in the stomach. The manganese and calcium also helps to reduce PMS.

12. Another excellent benefit of blackberries is their ability to strengthen the heart and prevent the risk of heart disease. The Vitamin K helps to prevent hardening of the arteries and promote better blood flow to the heart. It reduces inflammation in the blood vessels which also aids in balancing blood pressure.

13. Those who have problems with the eyes such as dryness, macular degeneration, or vision issues should get more antioxidants into the diet. Healthy berries are loaded with antioxidants that protect the eye from becoming more damaged with age.

14. Many people add blackberries to healthy morning smoothies. The cells are open and ready to receive nutrition after sleeping, so this is a great way to boost your health. Blackberry smoothies help you to wake up, feel energised and vibrant without the need for stimulants like coffee.

15. Avoid blackberry jams and preserves as much as possible, as these have too much added sugar. This sugar has a negative effect on the body which actually causes inflammation.

16. Historically blackberries where used to treat bowel problems for over 2000 years. The high fibre and phytonutrients heal the digestive tract and allow for better digestion.

17. Fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C help to reduce uric acid crystals for those who suffer with gout. We highly recommend drinking lemon water with a few fresh blackberries to soothe gout pain.

18. Those who suffer with arthritis and autoimmune diseases like celiac disease or ulcerative colitis should definitely get more berries into the diet. They are packed full of anti-inflammatory compounds which help to modulate the immune system.

19. Blackberries or blackberry powder is sometimes used in baking delicious desserts. These are for indulgence only and should not be overdone.

20. To make a healthy drink, simply drop a few mixed berries into a bottle of water and refrigerate overnight. This creates a berry infused water which you can sweeten with stevia. This adds more minerals and nutrients to the water, making for a delicious and healthy hydrating drink.