Black Berry - The Best Fruit Of All
BLACKBERRIES
Blackberries
refer to the plant of the genus and species Rubus fruticosis, as well as its
fruit. Blackberries are perennial plants which typically bear biennial stems
("canes") from the perennial root system. The fruit of Blackberry is
a bramble fruit (an aggregate of drupelets) with the receptacle is elongated
and part of the ripe fruit, making the blackberry an aggregate-accessory fruit.
In
botanical terminology, the fruit is not a berry, but an aggregate fruit of
numerous drupelets. There are numerous subspecies and a number of cultivars
that have been developed from common blackberries, including Marionberries, and
Olallieberries. Blackberry fruit changes its color from yellow or green to red
or dark red and then purplish-black or black when blackberries are ripe.
Blackberries
are excellent eaten plain, or topped with ice cream. They make delicious jams,
preserves, pies, honey and tarts. Blackberries in muffins are simply delicious,
and blackberry scones are popular.
BLACKBERRY NUTRITION FACTS (100 G):
Calories
— 43; Sugar – 5 grams; Fiber – 5 grams; Omega 3′s – 94. Mg; Antioxidants – 4.77
mmol; Glycemic Load – 3;Vitamin A – 4%;B Vitamins – 16%;Vitamin C – 35%;Vitamin
E – 6%;Vitamin K – 25%;Potassium – 5%.
Composite
Nutrition Score, Blackberries: 64
HEALTH BENEFITS OF BLACKBERRY:
- High levels of anthocyanins work as antioxidants to help fight free radical damage.
- helps prevent breast and cervical cancer, heart disease, stroke.
- fiber content helps maintain digestive health, reduce cholesterol levels, control blood sugar
- cyanidin-3-O-glucoside may help protect against endothelial dysfunction and vascular failure induced by peroxynitrite.
- gallic acid works as an anti-fungal and anti-viral antioxidant which is used to help treat hemorrhoids and psoriasis.
- The astringent blackberry root is sometimes used in herbal medicine as a treatment for diarrhea and dysentery.
- protect against pleurisy and lung inflammation.
- boost immune system.
- high in dietary fiber
- contain p-coumaric acid which can lower the risk of stomach cancer.
- fights oxidative stress, cardiovascular disease.
- flavonoids promote vision health
- prevents macular degeneration
- Evergreen blackberries contain ellagic acid which works as anti-carcinogen, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.
- helps reduce the risks of certain cancers.
- helps strengthen the blood vessels in body.
- ellagic acid as antiviral properties and help to lower high blood pressure
- anthocyanins prevent the effects of aging, diabetes, and neurological diseases.
- contains polyphenol antioxidants that can upregulate certain beneficial metabolic processes in mammals.
SOME UNKNOWN FACTS ABOUT THE BERRY:
·
Blackberries
are rich in bioflavonoid and Vitamin C, but other nutritional benefits include
a very low sodium count and having only 62 calories to a cup.
·
The
dark color confirms that blackberries are a rich source of a particular antioxidant
called Anthocyanin. This helps in lowering the risk of a number of cancers and
strokes
·
Brambleberries,
bramble, dewberry, thimbleberry and lawers are the various names of the fruit.
·
Blackberrie
promotes the healthy tightening of tissue, which is a good non-surgical
procedure to make skin look younger.
·
Prolonging
the consumption also helps keeps your brain alert, thereby maintaining clarity
of thought and good memory.
·
The
high tannin content of blackberries reduces intestinal inflammation, alleviate
hemorrhoids and soothe the effects of diarrhea. It is important to incorporate
berries in your diet in a variety of ways. Have them as a snack or in your
cereal or even as a smoothie.
·
The
leaves and barks of the plant have also been consumed for it medicinal value.
The leaves of blackberries have been used to treat mild inflammation of the
gums and sometimes even sore throats.
·
The
astringent tannins are effective in oral hygiene when used as a gargle or
mouthwash.
·
The
leaves can also be used in a refreshing cup of tea or enhanced as a therapeutic
drink. The bitterness can be lowered by adding some honey to it.
·
The
healthy dose of Vitamin K aids in muscle relaxing, so some women use the berries
to alleviate labour pains and to regulate menstruation as it is very effective
in helping blood to clot.