Blackberries Have Some Nice Health Benefits
By Paul Rothbart
One of the four food groups is fruits and vegetables. Including these in the diet is essential to good health. Fruits, in addition to being healthy, are generally very tasty, with a nice, natural sweetness. Blackberries are a popular fruit that can be used in pastries, jams, or just eaten whole. They also combine very well with other berries. Blackberries are also very good for you and have some very nice health benefits. Here are some reasons to add blackberries to your diet.
Loaded With Vitamin C
The importance of Vitamin C is pretty commonly known. Blackberries are packed with this nutrient, containing half the daily allowance in a single cup. The benefits of Vitamin C are many. It helps the body form collagen, which is used in the creation of bone and connective tissue as well as blood vessels. Vitamin C also helps heal wounds and shortens the length of colds. It prevents scurvy and acts as an antioxidant, combating free radicals that can damage cells and cause disease.
High in Fiber
Despite their small size, blackberries contain a significant amount of fiber. One cup of raw blackberries has nearly 8 grams. Fiber boosts health in several ways. It aids in weight control by helping you feel full. It's also good for maintaining healthy cholesterol. Fiber slows the rate of sugar absorption, assisting in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. It's also good for gut health and improves digestion.
Good Source of Vitamin K
One cup of raw blackberries contains 29 micrograms of Vitamin K, about a third of the recommended daily allowance. This lesser known vitamin is essential in blood clotting and preventing profuse bleeding after an injury. Vitamin K is also important for bone metabolism. A deficiency of it can cause bruising or internal bleeding.
High in Manganese
Manganese is another mineral that is not well known, but it is important. A cup of blackberries contains about half the recommended allowance, 0.9 milligrams. Manganese is important to bone health and the immune system. It also helps the metabolization of amino acids, carbs, and cholesterol. Like Vitamin C, manganese assists in the formation of collagen. It may also help prevent osteoporosis and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Brain Health
Research has shown that blackberries may help prevent memory loss caused by aging as well as ward off dementia and Alzheimer's. The antioxidant content in blackberries fights free radicals and may reduce inflammation which aids in maintaining cognitive function.
Fruits in general, and berries in particular, are very healthy foods. One of the best is the blackberry. Sweet, delicious, and packed with nutrition that can help you remain in top health.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Winter Park, Fla.