Health Benefits of Blackberries | Blackberry Smoothie Recipe

Blackberries

Blackberries are native to North and South America, Europe, and Asia. They have been used for eating and medicinal purposes for over 2,000 years. The Greeks commonly used them to treat gout and the Native Americans benefited from them when treating stomach ailments.

The blackberry belongs in the Rosaceae family. Many wildlife conservationists believe the blackberry is the most important plant that provides food for animals in the wild. The berries are a favorite among raccoons, opossums, turkey, and bears and the leaves are a popular food for grazing animals, especially deer, and caterpillars.

Nutrients in blackberries include dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese, and vitamin K. Blackberries rank highly on a list of foods that contain the most antioxidants, mainly because of their many polyphenolic compounds, including tannins, quercetin, gallic acid, ellagic acid, cyanidins, and anthocyanins.

Health Benefits of Blackberries

Antioxidants

The abundant amount of antioxidants in blackberries protect the cells in the body from free radical damage. This can help maintain youthfulness and prevent many diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and macular degeneration eye disease.

Fiber

Fiber benefits ones health in many ways. It helps prevent constipation, hemorrhoids, and certain types of cancer. It helps lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, regulate blood glucose levels, and promote weight loss.

Phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens, naturally occurring estrogens in plants, can help treat symptoms associated with PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and menopause. They may also benefit the heart, brain, and immune system.

Blackberry Smoothie Recipe

Get the many health benefits of blackberries with this delicious tasting smoothie recipe:

Blend 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 banana, and 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blackberries until slushy. Add 1/2 cup of vanilla ice cream and blend until smooth.

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