Berries are known for their bright colours and sour and sweet flavours. These fruits are often used as ingredients for cake, yoghurt or oatmeal. Not only that it may add a refreshing taste for food, but berries may also give other health benefits to our body. For instance, blackberries are known for containing essential nutrients and also full of antioxidants which may give positive effects to our health. As quoted from the Medical News Today website, here are the nutrients contained in blackberries that have various health benefits.
- Vitamin C
Blackberries are known for their high vitamin C content. 100 grams of blackberries are enough to fulfil 35 % of your daily need for vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a role in protein synthesis and also the formation process of collagen and several types of neurotransmitter. Fulfilling our daily need for vitamin C may help to keep our body function, improve the wound healing process, skin regeneration and fight free radicals. - Fibre
Blackberries are loaded with fibre, both the ones that soluble in water and not. As we all know, water-soluble fibre has a role in lowering the blood sugar level and keeping the level of “good” cholesterol in our body, while the non-water-soluble fibre helps our digestive system to run smoothly. - Antioxidant
Anthocyanin and polyphenol are two types of antioxidant that may be found in blackberries. Antioxidants may help our body in fighting free radicals which may lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. - Vitamin K
Aside from vitamin C, blackberries are also rich in vitamin K. This type of vitamin helps to improve the blood clotting process, which is vital in the wound healing process. Also, vitamin K helps to keep our bones healthy. - Vitamin A
Blackberries also contain vitamin A which may help to support our immune system to fight infections and diseases. Vitamin A is also known for its positive effect on our eyes’ health.
Not only that, but blackberries are also known for their benefits to the cognitive and motoric function of our brain. This was already tested in a study conducted by Tufts University in 2009. Also, it was found in another study that antioxidants in blackberries may help to reduce brain inflammation. Brain inflammation may cause cognitive and motoric problems in our ageing process if left untreated.
Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pixabay
Source(s):
- What are the benefits of blackberries (2018). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322052.php?sr, October 11, 2018.
- Blackberries: Health Benefits and Nutrition Information (2017). https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-blackberries, October 11, 2018.