#2. Blackberries – The Fruit

These are actually black but you can see the deep reddish hues, when you take a really close up shot of the berries.

photo by bookjunkie

According to this article on UK Food Guide, I never knew that blackberries were the relatives of the rose. This is another imported fruit and here are the numerous benefits of eating them as detailed in the UK Food Guide:

Wild blackberries are relatives of the rose and the soft, juicy fruit grows on thorny bushes or trailing vines. Just like a raspberry, the blackberry is called an “aggregate fruit” because each berry is really a cluster of tiny fruits, or druplets….

Blackberries are considered to be an astringent because of their high tannin content. Studies show that tannins tighten tissue, lesson minor bleeding, and may help to alleviate diarrohea and intestinal inflammation. German health authorities recommend blackberries for mild infections including sore throats and mouth irritations. Traditionally, blackberries have been used to alleviate hemorrhoids because of their rich tannin content. Scientists have also reported antitumor properties associated with tannins found in some varieties of blackberries. Overindulgence of tannin-rich blackberries may lead to constipation.

Blackberries abound in antioxidants, such as anthocyanin pigments, responsible for the purplish-black colour of blackberries and may impart health benefits because of their antioxidant properties. Additional antioxidants in blackberries are vitamins C and E, and ellagic acid; all may provide protection against cancer and chronic disease. Cooking does not seem to destroy ellagic acid, so even blackberry jams and desserts retain ellagic acid health benefits. Interestingly, blackberries are a natural source of salicylate, an active substance found in aspirin. Potential benefits have yet to be explored and some experts advise caution to particularly aspirin-sensitive individuals. Because of their many tiny seeds, blackberries are a source of soluble fibre, such as pectin.

About bookjunkie

Blogging about life in Singapore & recently cancer too.
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5 Responses to #2. Blackberries – The Fruit

  1. Thanks for this informative post!!

  2. Pingback: Are Blackberries Really Black? « The Savvy Sister

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