The Wonderful Health Benefits Of Blackberries

The rise in consumer awareness of the benefits of antioxidants has lead to a multitude of people choosing their fruits and vegetables, with an eye to the potential and proven health benefits. We now live in an environment of pollutants and toxins that have adverse effects on our health, and this has given rise to the popularity of fruits high in antioxidants. It has been nothing short of amazing the concern that the consumer has when shopping. As we all become concerned with healthy aging, we have learned that antioxidants most definitely do play a positive role in our bodies. One of the healthiest fruits available to consumers is blackberries.

For a number of years now, researchers at Ohio State have been studying the healthy benefits of blackberries. They discovered in their tests that blackberries have the largest amount of ellagic acid of any fruit tested. Ellagic acid is a know antioxidant that helps to stimulate enzymes, that result in detoxifying our bodies of carcinogens. Testing has shown that blackberries are helpful in protecting the body from esophageal cancer. Blackberries are also extremely high in anthocyanins. Anthocyanins give the berries their color, but also have anti-inflammatory properties. Since some esophageal cancers have been shown to be linked with chronic inflammation, the anti-inflammatory properties of blackberries containing anthocyanins can play a large role in cancer reduction.

According to the researchers, who tested all types of berries, they found that the blackberry has more anti-cancer properties than any other berry they tested. Researchers then looked at the role of blackberries in preventing colon cancer, with results showing the important role they have to play in cancer prevention. More research continues in this important area of cancer prevention. Other berries have also shown beneficial properties, but overall the blackberry comes out on top in any study done.

Beyond these studies, blackberries also contain important phytochemicals which play an important role in helping to prevent oxidation of LDL, as well as having antibacterial properties. They also help in preventing oxidative stress, which can cause tissue damage, as well as helping to slow down our aging processes in the brain and the body.

Low in calories and high in vitamins A, C and K, one does not need to worry about adding them to their daily diet. They are also playing a role in arthritis due to the high content of Omega 3 fatty acids. A single cup of blackberries has approximately 135mg of Omega 3 fatty acids. This fatty acid plays a major role in reducing inflammation.

A little known fact about blackberries is that they are high in phytoestrogens, which provide health benefits specific to women. The plant estrogens are of great interest to researchers studying their effect, in the prevention of breast and cervical cancers in women. Studies show that blackberries carry the highest levels of phytoestrogens and are a form of natural estrogen.

Because the seeds are rich in fiber they are also considered as a way of preventing diabetes as well as diverticulitis. There are a variety of ways to introduce this fruit into your diet. Whether simply eating them by the handful as a snack, or simply adding them to your cereal or a morning smoothie drink. Raw blackberries are good to eat at any time of the day. Besides eating them raw, they can be easily used in any number of different recipes that are sure to please your family. As the consumer becomes more aware of their health and the health of their family, this should be one of their top choices as a part of any healthy meal plan. For a complete overview of the major health benefits, consult the American Cancer Society website where you will find detailed information as well as healthy recipes for you to try.

By: AJ Adams

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