7 beneficial properties of blackberries for the human body based on science

Blackberry (ozhina) is a dark purple berry that has become widespread in temperate climatic latitudes. She has earned recognition in folk and evidence-based medicine, as well as in cosmetology.

Blackberries contain vitamins, antioxidants and minerals important for health, which determine their beneficial properties. Its regular intake improves brain function, strengthens the immune system, prevents the development of malignant tumors, diabetes mellitus, as well as cardiovascular diseases.

The berry is recommended for pregnant women, as well as children from the first months of life.

How it is useful – 7 facts

Below are 7 main theses about the benefits of blackberries, which are confirmed by scientists.

1. Valuable composition

Blackberries have a low calorie content (about 43 calories per 100 grams), and is the source important biologically active substances (per 100 grams of berries):

Also blackberries contains a lot of antioxidant substances, mainly anthocyanins. They prevent the malignant transformation of cells, as well as the appearance of chronic diseases from the cardiovascular and endocrine systems.

2. Improving brain function

According to scientists , eating blackberries can reduce the likelihood of early development of neurodegenerative diseases (Pick's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease), as well as improve cognitive performance ( memory , attention , thinking).

Experts associate this effect with the pronounced antioxidant effect of blackberries, which prevents the effect of free radicals on the body. It is free radicals that are one of the leading causes of involutive degradation of brain tissues.

3. Maintaining oral health

University of Kentucky Employees discovered that blackberries have a pronounced antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect and can be used for oral sanitation.

The berry is effective against most types of bacteria, some fungi.

Scientists registered reduction in the incidence of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, as well as carious lesions of tooth enamel in people whose diet is rich in blackberries and closely related berries.

4. Strengthening the immune system

Blackberries are rich source Vitamin C – Powerful stimulator of the immune system .

Ascorbic acid improves the ability of macrophage cells to recognize and destroy any foreign substances that enter the body from the external environment.

Vitamin C also stimulates the proliferation and reproduction of T- and B-link cells, which makes respiratory and systemic infections less common.

The pronounced bactericidal properties of berry pulp play an additional role. Blackberry destroys a number of harmful microorganisms, preventing the development of infectious pathologies of mucous membranes and other barrier tissues.

According to the data experts from the USA, blackberries are even able to stimulate the immune system against cancer cells, destroying them in a timely manner.

5. Reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases

Blackberries are rich in magnesium, vitamin K and fiber , which are extremely important for maintaining the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Magnesium helps to reduce blood pressure and prevents the appearance of ectopic foci of the rhythm driver in the tissues of the heart (arrhythmias).

Fiber lowers cholesterol , its use is one of the ways to comprehensively prevent the development of atherosclerosis.

Vitamin K is equally important. This substance normalizes the "viscosity of blood", ensures timely stopping of bleeding and maintaining blood pressure in the distal areas of the vascular bed.

According to the information Italian scientists, regular consumption of blackberries is associated with a low incidence of cardiovascular diseases associated with atherosclerosis (coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, chronic cerebral ischemia, stroke, etc.).

6. Strengthening bones

Blackberries rich in vitamin K , which regulates metabolism at the bone tissue level, preventing excessive loss of calcium and the development of osteoporosis.

Against the background of vitamin K deficiency, there is a decrease in bone mineral density, a high incidence of pathological fractures.

It is important to mention that blackberries are recommended for the elderly, as well as for women after menopause, when there is a physiological decrease in the concentration of minerals in the bones.

7. Recommended for children and pregnant women

Blackberries extremely rich vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is recommended to use it for children from an early age (starting from 4-5 months), as it has the following effects:

1. Strengthening the immune system. Blackberries reduce the risk of developing infectious diseases, especially from the barrier tissues (skin, mucous membranes).
2. Improving the digestive tract. The berry supplies the child's body with fiber, which normalizes the work of smooth muscles and maintains the balance of intestinal microflora.
3. Full-fledged development. The berry contains valuable vitamins, macro- and microelements that ensure the proper growth of all tissues.

Blackberries are also recommended for women to include in their diet during pregnancy. It contains vitamin C, antioxidant substances and folic acid, which prevent the development of infectious and inflammatory diseases and malformations of the fetus, have a beneficial effect on the condition of a woman, and also reduce the severity of symptoms of toxicosis.

Harm and contraindications

Despite all the medicinal properties, in extremely rare cases, the use of blackberries can negatively affect health and harm the body. Contraindications include:

1. Allergic reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions usually develop at lightning speed and are systemic in nature (anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema).
2. Urolithiasis. Blackberries stimulate the formation of concretions in the lumen of the urinary tract, which can worsen the course of nephrolithiasis.

Rules of use

The main questions regarding the use of berries are discussed below:

1. Method of administration. The most preferred way to eat blackberries is in their pure (raw) form. The maximum daily allowance is 250 grams.
2. Reception time. It is best to eat it in the middle of the day (together with other berries, fruits or vegetables). It is better to give up eating blackberries in the morning on an empty stomach, as well as before going to bed.
3. Comparison with raspberries. Blackberries are superior to raspberries in terms of vitamins (except vitamin C) and antioxidants, which means they can be considered more useful.
4. Is it possible to eat wild berries? Yes! In wild (forest) varieties of blackberries, there is a higher concentration of biologically active substances than in garden varieties.
5. Application of essential oil. Blackberry essential oil is used to improve memory and activate thinking processes. Less often, it is used to increase the smoothness and elasticity of the skin. It should not be taken orally.

Storage Methods

There are several ways to make blanks from blackberries for the winter:

1. Freezing. This option is the most preferable, since frozen blackberries retain almost all vitamins and other substances. The berries are frozen in a conventional refrigerator and thawed as needed.
2. Drying. The process of drying berries leads to an increase in the content of fiber and carbohydrates by 2-5 times, while most of the medicinal properties are preserved. Dried blackberries are not recommended to be consumed in large quantities by people suffering from diabetes or obesity.
3. Jam. Blackberry jam (as in any other) has an extremely high sugar content. It is strictly contraindicated in the presence of overweight or type II diabetes mellitus.
4. Tincture. The addition of alcohol increases the effectiveness of the berry against atherosclerosis, and also enhances the effect on the central nervous system. However, in the presence of hypertension, a history of heart attack or stroke, tincture is contraindicated.

5 recipes

Many dishes can be prepared on the basis of berries. The most common options are discussed below.

1. Tea with berries

You will need:

• 3 tsp dried berries or 2-3 fresh berries;
• 3 tsp black tea;
• 3-4 tbsp grated lemon zest;
• Sugar, honey – to taste;
• 400-500 ml of water.

Recipe:

1. Put all the ingredients in a teapot. If fresh berries are used, they must be pre–kneaded with a crush or spoon.
2. Pour boiling water.
3. Let stand for about 10-15 minutes.

2. Tea made from leaves

Necessary:

• 2 tbsp.l. dry leaves, shoots, stems of blackberries;
• Sugar – to taste;
• 200 ml of water.

Recipe:

1. Pour boiling water over the raw materials. Add sugar.
2. Insist for about 5-10 minutes.

3. Compote

Will be required:

• 800 grams of berries;
• 150-250 grams of sugar (to taste);
• 3 l – water;

Cooking scheme:

1. Carefully select the blackberries, rinse with cold water.
2. Boil the water in an enameled saucepan. Add sugar.
3. Cook the composition over low heat for about 1-5 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Arrange the berries in sterilized glass jars.
5. Pour boiling water with sugar over the blackberries. Close with metal lids, roll up.
6. Put the jars to cool down with lids.

4. Morse

Needed:

• 400 grams of blackberries;
• Zest of 1 lemon;
• 10 grams of mint leaves;
• 100 grams of sugar;
• 1 liter of water.

Recipe:

1. Rub the blackberry pulp through a sieve. Strain the juice and put it in the refrigerator (it will no longer be needed).
2. Fill the leftovers (cake) with water (1000 ml), add grated lemon zest and sugar. Put it on the fire.
3. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 5-7 minutes. Add the mint and mix.
4. Strain. The dish is ready.

5. Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 300 grams of blackberries;
• 2 medium-sized bananas;
• 1000 ml of milk.

Recipe:

1. Chop the banana finely, put it together with the blackberries in a blender.
2. Beat until smooth. The duration is about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add milk, beat again. Pour into glasses.

Conclusion

1. Blackberries are a rich source of vitamins, antioxidants, macro- and microelements necessary for our health.
2. With regular use, it improves brain function, strengthens the immune system.
3. The berry also reduces the risk of malignant tumors and the development of diseases from the cardiovascular and endocrine systems.
4. Blackberries are indicated during pregnancy in order to provide favorable conditions for fetal development and prevention of complications.