What Is Useful Blackberry

Content

• Blackberry - what kind of berry, where does it grow.
• Chemical composition, nutritional value. Usage norms.
• Useful properties, use in medicine, in cosmetology and for weight normalization.
• Contraindications.
• Selection and storage.
• Application in cooking.

Blackberry - what kind of berry, where does it grow

Blackberry is a berry from a plant species of the genus "rubus", "aggregate fruit", which is a combination of many plant ovaries. Taste. Sweet or slightly sour (organic acids give the sour taste).

Color. Inky black (due to the content of anthocyanins - polyphenols).

Where it grows Wild blackberries grow in damp forests, forest ravines, floodplains, stream valleys, swamps, and bushes. Such a berry contains the maximum possible amount of valuable nutrients. Blackberries are grown on an industrial scale in special places.

Useful properties of garden blackberries are slightly inferior to those of wild fruits, but higher than those of industrial berries.

Chemical composition, nutritional value. Norms of use

Calorie content, glycemic index and nutrient content vary by variety.

For 100 g:

• 34–42 kcal;
• 2.4 g fructose (low glycemic index - 20-25).

• pregnant women - 110-200 g per day (in the absence of contraindications);
• when breastfeeding, for young children - at the initial stages 2-3 pieces, gradually increasing to the optimal norm - 100 g 2-3 times a week (in the absence of contraindications);
• for other categories of consumers, the norms are not established.

In order not to harm the body, it is recommended to rely on the characteristics of the body, its needs and possible contraindications, to observe the measure - you should not immediately eat a kilogram of berries.

Up to 12% of all fatty acids contained in blackberries are seeds (pits).

Useful properties, use in medicine, in cosmetology and for weight normalization

The complex of macro- and micronutrients, fiber, polyphenols, anthocyanins and other compounds that make up the berries have a beneficial effect on the functioning of all body systems.

Blackberries are in the top 10 antioxidant foods. With a score on the ORAC scale (a method for determining the antioxidant capacity of a product, that is, the ability to absorb free radicals), it reaches 5905 points. The benefit of the berry is that it helps to strengthen the immune system, prevent inflammation and oxidative stress. Let's consider these features in more detail.

1. Reducing inflammatory processes in the body, preventing the development of infections, increasing the protective forces of immunity

Antioxidants - active protection of the body from oxidative reactions, foci of chronic inflammation, provoking a number of different diseases.

Study. The subjects received ellagitannins extracted from blackberries. An 88% decrease in cases of inflammatory processes in the gastric mucosa and oxidative stress was recorded.

Blackberry has an antibacterial function, actively manifesting it, fights infections in the body.

2. Cardiovascular Support

Vitamin K prevents the "hardening" of the arteries, helps to normalize blood pressure levels, reduces inflammation in the cells lining the blood vessels.

Anthocyanin (plant pigment, powerful antioxidant) has a protective effect against endothelial dysfunction (damage to the inner layer of blood vessels) and heart failure. The substance is able to stop the occurrence of dysfunction - that is, it can delay or stop the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Phenolic compounds contribute to the strengthening of the myocardium, thickening and elasticity of the walls of blood vessels. As a result, the vessels acquire the ability to be cleansed of "bad" cholesterol, and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases is reduced.

3. For eye health

Lutein, together with anthocyanin and vitamin A, exhibits a protective reaction to the negative effects of UV rays, helps slow down the processes of age-related degenerative changes in the eye.

4. Support and improve brain function

There are studies focusing on motor skills and short-term memory retention showing that blackberries have great potential in boosting brain performance (due to their high antioxidant content). The functions of short-term memory are most actively improved due to the regular use of blackberries - 100 g 2-3 times a week (in the absence of contraindications).

Manganese is one of the main elements present in the berry in sufficient volume, capable of replenishing and supporting the body's resources. The element is vital for normal brain activity. A significant percentage of manganese contains synapses of brain neurons.

Manganese deficiency can cause the development of epilepsy. It is important to get enough manganese from your diet to keep your synapses working properly.

Other compounds and high polyphenol content prevent Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.

There is a study dedicated to this function of blackberries. It was found that industrial varieties of berries do not have a similar effect, since their nutritional value is small and not comparable with similar qualities of wild and garden blackberries.

5. Slowing down and preventing the development of cancer

Blackberries are rich in polyphenols.

Study. The extract of wild fresh blackberries has a preventive effect on the development of lung cancer. Anthocyanins block oxidative stress that causes cancer cell growth.

The substance helps prevent cell mutations leading to cancer. This is why it is so important to include foods rich in antioxidants in your diet. This is not only blackberries, but many other dark blue and purple berries.

6. For skin health

Anthocyanins and other compounds found in blackberries help protect the skin from damage due to their antioxidant activity.

Vitamin C promotes collagen production, reduces skin dryness, and prevents premature skin aging.

Substances have an antiviral effect on pathogens that affect the skin, in particular the herpes virus.

Application in cosmetology (external application):

• elimination of inflammation;
• skin regeneration;
• nutrition and hydration;
• reduction of skin greasiness, narrowing of pores;
• skin rejuvenation.

Fruit extract is used as a vasoconstrictor drug to activate microcirculation processes and get rid of skin rosacea.

Berry seed oil is used as an antioxidant that prevents oxidation processes. Often this oil is an important ingredient in creams, masks and other skin preparations.

Uses of blackberry leaves (in the form of infusion):

• helps to eliminate skin diseases, small wounds, abscesses and bruises;
• helps with gum disease.

7. Detoxifying properties, weight normalization>

• Help in the normal functioning of the liver and kidneys;
• removal of excess fluid from the body;
• reduction of inflammatory processes in the organs of the genitourinary system;
• acceleration of the process of removing salts of heavy metals and other toxins (due to the content of pectins that bind toxins in the digestive tract);
• acceleration of metabolism and prevention of metabolic disorders.

Men's Health Benefits

• improvement of endurance indicators;
• strengthening the functions of the reproductive system;
• prevention of prostate cancer;
• neutralization of muscle pain after training and other physical exertion;
• prevention of inflammatory processes in joints, ligaments, tendons and other organs and tissues;
• prevention of urolithiasis - after consultation with a specialist (decoction of the green part of the berry).

9. Women's Health Benefits

• Regulates hormonal balance, reduces symptoms of PMS

Vitamin K contributes to the stabilization of hormonal balance, reduces cramping, spasmodic menstrual pain, stabilizes the menstrual cycle, relieves premenstrual syndrome, and assists in reducing excessive bleeding.

These processes also involve manganese and potassium contained in blackberries.

• Relieves symptoms of menopause

Used in the form of tea from the leaves or in herbal preparations, for example:

Collection

• blackberry leaves - 3 tsp
• 2 tsp. swamp cudweed, motherwort, fragrant woodruff, hawthorn (berries, flowers).
• Pour boiling water, leave for at least an hour.

• Use during pregnancy

The high content of macro- and micronutrients, fiber, various berry enzymes, antioxidants and other compounds contributes to the favorable course of pregnancy, supports the work of all body systems.

• Use during lactation

It is best to limit in the first months of a child's life. From 3-4 months of breastfeeding, it is already allowed to "indulge" in a few berries.

If there are no adverse reactions in the mother and the child, you can include the berry in your weekly diet (in moderation, the recommended rate is indicated in the topic "Chemical composition, nutritional value. Consumption rates").

There are individual contraindications, read the "Contraindications" section and consult your doctor.

10. To strengthen the normal functions of the thyroid gland

A large amount of antioxidants helps to slow down:

• the process of damage to the thyroid tissue;
• nodule growth.

Contraindications

• Individual intolerance;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute stage;
• severe diabetes - it is important not to exceed the portion determined by the attending physician;
• pathology of the urinary system, kidney disease in the acute stage;
• in the presence of certain diseases - gastritis, ulcers and increased acidity of the stomach - it is necessary to limit the use of blackberries and monitor individual reactions.

Selection and storage

Wild blackberries have more nutritional value. The second position is occupied by a garden berry.

If it is not possible to collect or purchase wild or garden berries, you can buy blackberries in a store, on the market.

Season: from August to September (some varieties - until the first frost in November). Signs of ripeness: shiny, black saturated color, with a slight reddish tint.

Blackberries can be consumed throughout the year thanks to conservation. In stores and marketplaces you can find:

• sublimated blackberries,
• dried blackberries,
• frozen blackberries,
• compote mixture with blackberries,
• blackberry leaves for brewing
• tea with berries and blackberry leaves.

Self picking berries:

• in order not to violate the integrity of the berries and not to destroy the composition of the nutrients, use several small containers, do not put the berries in one;
• when picking berries in unverified places, it is not necessary to pick low-lying fruits (they could be licked or eaten by rodents and other animals);
• try to pick berries from the bush along with the stalk, which will allow them to remain whole and be stored longer.

Rating "Best varieties"

Shelf life. Handpicked blackberries will keep for 2-3 days at room temperature and 5-7 days in the refrigerator.

Store-bought blackberry varieties may vary in shelf life.

Freeze. Blackberries freeze well. It is best to freeze it in flat layers.

Drying. The correct drying process preserves the beneficial properties of the berries. An important nuance: the temperature during drying should vary between 40-50 ° C.

Application in cooking

Blackberries are a product that has been successfully used in the preparation of various types of dishes, from salads to smoothies and desserts. Berries are consumed fresh or processed. Processing is accompanied by the loss of most of the beneficial nutrients and an increase in the glycemic index.

Blackberry seed flour is a by-product of oil processing (cold pressed). Blackberry Seed Flour has been researched for health benefits and properties of the flour. It contained ellagitannins and ellagic acid. The results showed the possibility of using flour in food and nutraceuticals due to the following properties:

• modulating effect on the intestinal microbiota;
• reduction of oxidative reactions, suppression of the activity of free radicals;
• anti-inflammatory ability of polyphenolic compounds;
• normalization of metabolic processes;
• reduced risk of carcinogenesis.

Products for 2 servings:

• 20-30 wild or garden blackberries (or "organic")
• 2 handfuls mixed greens (cilantro, arugula, lettuce, etc.)
• 1/2 medium sized cucumber
• 50 g almonds
• 1/2 st. l. fresh lemon peel.

Refueling:

• 1/2 avocado (ripe)
• juice of one medium lemon
• 2 tbsp. l. avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 3 art. l. sesame seeds,
• a pinch of pink salt

Cooking:

1. We cut the cucumber, greens.
2. We crush the almonds. Nuts must be pre-soaked, washed and dried.
3. Put everything in a large bowl. Add lemon zest.
4. We're getting ready to ship. In a separate bowl, grind the avocado with a fork to a puree mass, add lemon juice, oil, pink salt and sesame seeds.
5. Dress the salad and mix gently.
6. Arrange on plates, add blackberries, evenly distributing them over the salad on top. Ready!

Products for 2 servings:

• 20-30 pieces of wild or garden blackberries,
• 50 g spinach
• 1/2 st. l. fresh lemon peel,
• 400 ml of homemade yogurt (can be replaced with kefir or fermented baked milk).

Cooking:

1. We put all the ingredients in a blender, beat until the desired consistency (pure, homogeneous or with small elements).
2. We pour into glasses. Depending on the consistency of the smoothie, you can drink or use a spoon. It is important to "chew" the smoothie thoroughly (keep it in the mouth longer to produce the enzyme amylase needed to digest carbohydrates, which make up the bulk of the smoothie's composition, and to absorb nutrients).
3. Smoothies should be consumed immediately after preparation to avoid nutrient breakdown.