Useful properties of blackberry

Although often called the closest relative of raspberries, blackberries are usually less known about its properties, although in many areas its regular use can have a much stronger healing effect.

Composition and calorie content

In its composition, a previously inconspicuous berry can be in the role of a living warehouse of the most useful substances.

It contains up to 5% of various natural sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose).

The sour taste of the berries is given by the presence of a variety of organic acids (tartaric, malic, citric, malic, salicylic).

They also contain a lot of pectin, fiber, phenolic compounds, flavonols, antioxidants, tannins and aromatics, glycosides, anthocyanins. The content of vitamins and minerals in blackberries is so diverse that one cannot do without a table.

So, 100 grams of blackberries contain:

It is already clear that almost the entire periodic table is represented in blackberries, and all these minerals and vitamins play an important role in the normal life support of the human body.

But it is also important to imagine the nutritional value of these berries:

In addition, blackberries are low in calories, which may appeal to many. 100 grams of its berries contain only 32 to 34 kcal. And given that one berry weighs an average of 2 grams, the energy value of one blackberry is approximately 0,6-0,7 kcal.

The benefits and harms of garden blackberries for human health

Even in ancient times, many doctors and healers actively used all parts of the blackberry to treat various ailments. Young leaves were chewed to strengthen the gums, young shoots were used for bleeding and diarrhea, and even old ulcers and festering wounds were healed with the juice from the berries.

Modern medicine also actively uses both aboveground and underground blackberry organs to treat and improve human health. It was revealed that the fruits and other parts of garden blackberries can have the following types of effects on the human body:

• restorative
• Refreshing and stimulating the immune forces of the body
• soothing
• Hemostatic and wound healing
• Anti-inflammatory
• Diaphoretic and diuretic
• Astringent.

Thanks to the richest vitamin and mineral complex contained in blackberries, its regular use will completely saturate the human body with all the necessary elements and restore immunity. As a result, physical and emotional fatigue will go away, the risk of viral infections will decrease in the off-season and in the winter.

If suddenly the disease has already managed to catch you by surprise, then thanks to the anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties of blackberries, with various colds, SARS, bronchitis, pharyngitis and tonsillitis, it will provide quick help, quench your thirst in a feverish state, relieve headaches and joint pain.

Beneficial effect of berries on the digestive processes. By increasing the secretory activity of the organs of the digestive system, the activity of the stomach is facilitated, and the intestinal tract is cleared of congestion.

In addition, blackberries are able to facilitate the work of the liver and kidneys, remove stones from the corresponding organs, accelerate the outflow of bile, relieve inflammation in the organs of the genitourinary system and support sexual function. Pectins contained in berries can accelerate the removal of heavy metal salts, radioactive compounds and other toxins from the body.

Phenolic compounds and other substances strengthen the heart muscle, thicken and make the walls of blood vessels elastic. Thus, the vessels are cleared of cholesterol, and the possibility of cardiovascular diseases is reduced.

Blackberries are also able to stimulate the neurons of the brain, which activates its activity, improves memory. Moreover, regular consumption of berries promotes the production of red blood cells, improves blood composition.

Lutein, which is part of blackberries, together with vitamin A and anthocyanins, protect the eyes from the adverse effects of UV rays and age-related changes.

In the modern world, the beneficial effect of all parts of this berry culture on the human nervous system is very important. It helps reduce the damaging effects of various stresses.

Do berries retain useful properties during processing

Blackberries traditionally begin to ripen from the end of July. Therefore, throughout August and September, you have the opportunity to eat fresh berries, in which all useful substances are maximally represented and all its healing properties are preserved.

Unfortunately, blackberries, like raspberries, cannot be classified as products with a long shelf life. In an ordinary refrigerator, fresh, freshly picked from a bush, intact berries can be stored for no more than 4-5 days. If you store the fruits in a compartment of the refrigerator where the temperature is maintained around 0 °, they can be stored for up to 3 weeks.

Ripe blackberries have a rich black hue with a slight reddish tint.

In order to preserve the berries for a long time and be able to enjoy them not only at the end of summer, but also in the winter-spring period, they are subjected to various processing. Unfortunately, any processing removes some of the nutrients and reduces the value of the berries, so it is advisable to eat as many fresh blackberries as possible, especially since healthy people can consume them with little or no restrictions.

Benefits of blackberry jam

Traditionally, blackberries are used to make compotes, jams and marmalades. Unfortunately, most of the vitamins are irretrievably lost during heat treatment, but still blackberry jam can please with its healing properties. If it is cooked correctly, then it retains fat-soluble vitamins A, E and K, as well as water-soluble B vitamins and vitamin PP.

In addition, pectins, fiber and phenolic compounds remain practically unchanged in blackberry jam.

Minerals are retained at about half of their original content.

But for those who do not like the astringent taste of blackberries, eating blackberry jam will be the best way out.

It can help in the treatment of colds, and with problems with pressure, the work of blood vessels and the heart.

As for the calorie content of blackberry blanks, 100 g of blackberry jam already contains from 270 to 390 kcal. Blackberry syrup is usually less caloric – it contains only about 210 kcal.

What properties are preserved when freezing berries

Of course, freezing berries is not in vain has been so popular in recent years – after all, it allows you to save almost all the healing properties of berries. It should only be borne in mind that when the processes of freezing and thawing are repeated, useful substances disappear each time. Therefore, you should freeze the berries in small portions, so that you can use them all at once.

The shelf life of berries harvested in this way increases to 12 months. But the calorie content of frozen berries increases slightly, up to 62-64 kcal.

dried blackberries

Another alternative way to preserve all the nutrients contained in blackberries is to dry them. Properly dried blackberries are no different in their beneficial properties from their fresh counterparts. It is only important that the drying temperature does not exceed 40-50 °, therefore it is better to use not an oven for these purposes, but special drying units.

Useful properties of blackberries and contraindications for men

Berries and other parts of the blackberry bush are useful for men at any age. In young people, they help increase endurance, strengthen the reproductive system.

Those who play sports or hard physical labor will definitely appreciate the high content of potassium in berries. Because potassium can neutralize muscle pain after exercise. And other substances will prevent inflammatory processes in the joints.

Blackberries are useful to use with almost no restrictions for those who are predisposed or already have diabetes.

The use of berries can serve as a good prevention in the occurrence of prostate cancer. In addition, a decoction of the green parts of the berry is used for urolithiasis.

In adulthood, regular consumption of blackberries significantly reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

What is blackberry good for women

For the female half of humanity, blackberries seem to be specially created to soften and facilitate the passage of many necessary life cycles.

When you include blackberries in your diet, after a while, the hormonal balance normalizes, the course of the menstrual cycle stabilizes, and the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome weaken.

A tea made from dried blackberries can help ease menopausal symptoms. And in case of serious violations, the use of the following herbal mixture in the form of tea for 10 days is very effective:

• 25 g blackberry leaves
• 20 g woodruff odorous
• 15 g marsh cudweed
• 20 g motherwort herb
• 10 g of hawthorn berries and flowers.

This mixture is able to heal and fill women with vital energy even in the most hopeless-looking situations.

The invaluable benefit of blackberries is also that they are able to reduce skin greasiness, make pores less pronounced, rejuvenate facial skin, and restore hair.

Decoctions and infusions of blackberries can help with problems with the kidneys and urinary organs.

The benefits of berries during pregnancy

Of the many health benefits of nature, blackberries are not only acceptable but must be consumed during pregnancy. This will only benefit both the developing baby and his mother.

After all, a berry rich in vitamins and various enzymes (including one containing an analogue of folic acid) will support a successful pregnancy, protect the mother and child from the possible adverse effects of various toxins.

Due to the high content of dietary fiber, blackberries will be useful for those who suffer from constipation.

Is it possible to eat blackberries during lactation

Restrictions on eating blackberries by a mother during breastfeeding can only apply to the very first months of a baby’s life. But, already, starting from the third or fourth month of breastfeeding, you can afford a few berries. If no negative reactions are observed in either the mother or the baby, then you can safely include blackberries in your weekly diet.

Benefits of blackberries for children

In general, eating blackberries does not usually cause any allergic reactions in children. Several berries, especially fresh ones, can be offered to a child for testing already at the age of 4-5 months.

If everything goes well, then, starting from 6-7 months, if possible, introduce healthy blackberries into the child’s diet.

After all, they strengthen the protective functions of the child’s body, help the formation of a stable nervous system, and serve to prevent anemia and iodine deficiency.

In addition, in the first years of a child’s life, it is difficult to overestimate the benefits of berries in the fight against a variety of intestinal infections and diarrhea.

The benefits of eating blackberries for the older generation

The rich composition for which blackberries are famous can help in revitalizing the activity of the entire brain, improve memory, and fight atherosclerosis.

Berries also contain antioxidants that can slow down the aging process and prevent premature wrinkles. The presence of magnesium, calcium and phosphorus helps in the fight against osteoporosis.

What diseases can blackberries be used for?

Blackberries are useful for almost everyone, but they are especially indicated for people with the following diseases:

• Diabetes (reduces blood sugar levels)
• Problems with the gastrointestinal tract. With a stomach ulcer, it is better not to eat berries, but to drink juice from them.
• Cardiovascular
• Oncology (suspends the growth of tumors, reduces the risk of their formation)
• Diseases of the nervous system
• Diseases of the joints
• Gynecological diseases
• Eye diseases, including age-related visual impairment
• Atherosclerosis
• Some problems with the kidneys and urinary system
• Hypertension (reduces blood pressure)
• Anemia, anemia
• Cold and lung diseases
• Stomatitis and inflammation of the oral cavity

In the presence of what diseases it is necessary to refuse to take berries

Despite the great benefits that blackberries bring, you should refrain from using them for the following diseases:

• Acute pancreatitis
• Periods of exacerbation of ulcers, gastritis, colitis
• Diabetes mellitus – severe forms
• Diseases of the excretory system in the acute period of the course

Norms for the use of blackberries

Young children and lactating women should start eating blackberries for 2-3 berries, and the optimal norm for them will be eating berries 2-3 times a week for 100 grams.

It is perfectly acceptable for pregnant women to eat blackberries every day, 100-200 g at a time.

For all other special norms in the use of this useful berry, it is not established, proceed from the needs of your body. But keep in mind that in everything it is desirable to observe the measure and not overeat even blackberries, which bring only benefits.

For the treatment of blackberries, it is worth focusing on the appropriate recipe standards. In order to strengthen the immune system, for example, drink a third of a glass of blackberry juice every day.

The benefits of forest blackberries

Forest blackberry in its composition is practically no different from garden forms. Traditionally, only the whole plant is used in her, from roots to berries, while in garden blackberries, mainly berries and leaves are used.

The benefits of wild blackberries may also be that they:

• Heals bleeding gums
• Heals blisters and ulcers
• Removing salt from gout
• Remove neurosis, insomnia
• Eliminate hoarseness and shortness of breath

Undoubted benefits of blackberry leaves

Blackberry leaves have no less valuable and rich composition than berries, so the benefits of their use are not small. Many tannins (up to 20%), flavonoids, leucoanthocyanins, minerals, amino acids and vitamins, including ascorbic acid, were found in the leaves.

A drink from the leaves has a beneficial effect on polyarthritis, hernia, osteochondrosis and other joint diseases.

Well, it also helps to treat skin problems – dermatitis, eczema, rashes, and even eliminates the effects of bruises. A slurry of crushed leaves will help heal almost any ulcer or wound.

Leaf infusion is used for problems with the digestive system.

It is prepared in this way: 2 tablespoons of dry blackberry leaves are poured into 400 ml of boiling water and insisted in a thermos for 3 hours. Take it 100 ml 20 minutes before meals 3-4 times a day.

Often, as well as berries, leaf infusions are beneficial for various menstrual disorders.

They are used to treat varicose veins, metabolism, anemia, beriberi and stomatitis.

In order to prepare an infusion for rinsing the mouth with stomatitis, pour 4 tablespoons of leaves into 400 ml of boiling water, let it brew for 30 minutes and strain.

Blackberry leaf tea

Self-made tea from young blackberry leaves is very useful for general strengthening of the body according to the following recipe. Harvest as many young blackberry leaves as possible (it is best to do this at the end of May, immediately after they bloom). If possible, add an additional half of the total number of raspberry leaves to them.

Mix, let them wilt, and then knead with a rolling pin, sprinkle with water and, wrapped in natural fabric, hang somewhere warm, but not bright. During this time, fermentation will occur and the leaves will have an attractive, reminiscent of a floral aroma.

After that, the leaves are quickly dried in a dryer at low temperature.

Keep tea in a tightly closed jar.

Benefits of blackberry juice

The benefits of blackberry juice, especially squeezed from fresh berries, can hardly be overestimated. It helps with feverish conditions, relieves headaches. Effective in women’s diseases and all problems related to digestion.

Has a calming effect. 50-70 ml of blackberry juice, drunk every day for a month, will help solve many of the above problems.

Contraindications for use are exactly the same as when using blackberries.

Healing properties of blackberry stems

Blackberry stalks provide almost the same benefits as the leaves, only they are less convenient to use and have a little less juice.

The following infusion will help from neurotic diseases. Collect about 50-100 grams of young blackberry shoots with leaves, finely chop them. Take two tablespoons of the resulting herbs, pour 500 ml of boiling water over them, heat for 20 minutes in a water bath. Then cool, filter and take 50 ml three times a day for two weeks.

Diabetics will benefit from this drink to lower their blood sugar levels. Boil a teaspoon of chopped blackberry stems and leaves for 10-15 minutes in 200 ml of water, cool, strain and drink throughout the day. Next time it is better to prepare a fresh drink.

The effect of blackberry roots on the body

Blackberry roots are usually harvested in autumn. They are used in the form of a decoction. A decoction of the roots can benefit:

• As a diuretic for dropsy
• When splitting and removing stones and sand from the kidneys
• In the treatment of diseases of the throat and oral cavity
• in the treatment of ascites
• With inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and pulmonary bleeding.

In the latter case, the decoction is prepared in the following way. 20 g of crushed dry blackberry roots (or roots with leaves), pour 200 ml of boiling water, heat for 20 minutes, leave for 3 hours, filter and then add boiled water so as to obtain the initial volume. Use 2 tablespoons before meals 3-4 times a day.

Blackberry Diet

Due to its low calorie content, blackberries are often used in a variety of weight loss diets.

You can use several recipes suggested below:

Recipe No.1

• For breakfast – 250 g of berries + green tea or mineral water
• For lunch – a glass of freshly squeezed fruit or berry juice
• For lunch – vegetable soup, light salad, fish or chicken with rice, buckwheat or vegetables
• For an afternoon snack – 250 g of berries
• Dinner – vegetables

The duration of the diet is from 2 weeks to 2 months.

Recipe No.2

• Meal 1: Low-fat cottage cheese + 100 g berries
• Meal 2: 200 g fresh berries
• Meal 3: Boiled rice with vegetables + lean meat
• Meal 4: Blackberry Smoothie
• Meal 5: 100 g of berries and 250 ml of yogurt

Blackberries in cooking

You can cook many delicious dishes from blackberries; it is best combined with flour and curd products.

Cottage cheese casserole with berries, blackberry charlotte, jelly, jelly and berry puree are popular. For the winter, they usually prepare blackberry jam, jam, compote, as well as wine, liqueur and syrup.

Blackberry in cosmetology

With regular use of blackberries, the appearance of the skin, nails and hair improves.

But you can also make a face mask from berries.

Grind about 40 grams of berries into a puree, add 15 g of sour cream and 12 ml of honey. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is completely homogeneous. Spread the mask on the face, neck and chest and leave for half an hour. Rinse off with warm water when finished.

Harm and contraindications to taking blackberries

There are no strict contraindications to taking blackberries. It is only necessary to be careful in the use of this berry in case of exacerbation of some of the diseases listed above.

In addition, in rare cases, an allergic reaction can be shown to blackberries. Therefore, if you are trying it for the first time, do not abuse the amount of berries eaten.

You should be careful with it and people with low blood pressure – feast on it in moderation.

Conclusion

Blackberry is a unique berry, the benefits of eating which for the body are undeniable. Moreover, it can help in curing many diseases and alleviating various painful conditions.