World’s healthies foods - Blackberry |
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Blackberry (lat. Rubus fruticosus) is a wild plant which can be found growing beside fences, forests and roads. It has a shape of a bush and can grow 3 meters high.
It is native to the Northern temperate zone of the globe and its medicinal history spans back to more than 2.000 years.
History reveals the traditional usage of blackberry fruit, leaf, bark and roots by the Romans and Greeks for healing numerous health conditions ranging from a mild infection to venomous bites.
During the 18th century it was used for treating gout and it was so influential that people used to call it “gout berry”.
Recent scientific evidences have contributed extensively in revealing the therapeutic potential of blackberries.
The healing benefits of this fruit are not known to the general public, but the list of its medical usage could fill the pages of a very thick book.
Discover the benefits of blackberries and exploit them this season.
If possible, choose wild blackberries, and not the cultivated ones.
Ingredients and Health Benefits of Blackberry
Blackberries are tasty and nutrient dense fruit.
Vitamins provided by blackberries include: vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, folate, vitamin C, vitamin K.
Mineral wealth of blackberries include calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.
Blackberries are also a good source of amino acids and essentially dietary fiber.
Powerful Antioxidant
Blackberries contain a profuse amount of powerful antioxidants which protect the body in multiple ways.
Components such as phenolic acids, flavonoids and flavones particularly anthocyanins present in blackberries, work against harmful oxygen free molecules and counter their action.
Especially antioxidants anthocyanins are beneficial for health. This was evidenced in 14 clinical trials conducted on 694 examinees.
Blackberries protect ocular health.
In one medical trial 50 examinees took vitamin E and anthocyanin extract three times a day. In 97% cases the progression of their disease stopped.
Similar tests were made in another clinical trial which included people who suffered from macular degeneration. The result showed significant eye sight improvement.
Excellent results were noticed in treating diabetic retinopathy. As diabetes can damage many parts of the body, the research shows that antioxidants can significantly reduce the progression of organ damage, especially eyes.
Anthocyanins also strengthen blood vessels and prevent the manifestation of varicose veins. 47 examinees who suffered from this problem noticed significant changes when taking anthocyanins every day.
Natural Remedy for Curing Cancer
Generally, berries are effective against the development of cancer.
This refers also to blackberry which is the top 10 ingredient that contains large quantity of antioxidants which are essential in fighting cancer.
Blackberry is especially effective against the development on lung cancer, colon cancer and oesophageal cancer.
The micronutrients present in blackberries have a preventive effect and prevent the proliferation of malignant cells.
Various scientific research conducted on blackberries have advocated this fact and have attributed the anti-cancer activity to the abundance of anthocyanins and other phytochemicals such as ellagic acid and cyaniding-3-glucodside which inhibits tumor growth and metastasis.
Blackberry is Good for Cardiovascular Health
Richness of flavones such as anthocyanins in blackberries makes it a heart friendly fruit.
Components such as magnesium and fiber content present in blackberries prevent the arteries from getting blocked and stimulate smooth blood flow. This reduces the risk of various heart diseases such as brain stroke, heart attack and atherosclerosis.
Magnesium content in blackberries also helps regulating the blood pressure and prevents cardiac arrhythmia and irregular contraction.
Cyaniding-3-glucodside protects from endothelial dysfunction – one of the primary stages in the development of atherosclerosis. It fights free radicals and reduces inflammations and hardening of the arteries.
Blackberry is Beneficial for Good Memory
Regular consummation of blackberries has a beneficial effect on improving the cognitive functions of the brain.
Polyphenolic components present in blackberries help slow down the age-related decline in motor and cognitive activity. It is useful in enhancing the memory performance and improves neuronal functions.
Blackberry is Good for Pregnancy
As a source of natural folate, blackberry contributes in optimum growth of the cells and tissues and helps reduce the risk of birth defects in the babies.
Folate is a critical nutrient required for all age groups.
Vitamin C and other antioxidants help boost the immunity of the expected mother and essential minerals present in blackberry strengthen the bones.
Blackberry Leafs
Blackberry leaf tea is beneficial to health as well.
It is effective in curing diarrhea and dysentery because of astringent tannins which help control such conditions in the digestive tract.
Commission E, the German regulatory agency for herbs, has approved blackberry leaf tea for reliving diarrhea.
It can also be used in treating wounds, sore throat and hemorrhoids.
Pregnant women are advised to drink blackberry leaf tea and consume other blackberry ingredients one month before the end of their pregnancy in order to ease their labor.
Blackberry leaf tea compresses are used to soothe irritated eyes and reduce facial bloating.
Blackberry Leaf Tea
You can prepare a blackberry leaf tea by adding 2 tea spoons of dried blackberry leafs into 250 ml of hot boiling water. Cover and let steep for 15 minutes then filter.
Drink it or use as a mouth wash in case of throat pain, tonsil inflammation, inflammation of esophageal, inflammation of gums and canker sores.
Healing Benefits of Blackberry:
- Boost immunity
- Improves memory and concentration
- Helps with respiratory problems
- Prevents and treats cardiovascular diseases
- Helps with digestion and losing weight
- Prevents various types of cancer
- Rejuvenates skin
- Helps with anemia
- Natural cure for gout and osteoporosis
- Helps women during pregnancy and during breastfeeding period
Blackberry Harvest
Young green leafs (without leaf petal) and flowers are harvested in early spring (best from the top of the plant and during dry weather).
Leafs should be dried in a thin layer in order to preserve their beautiful green color. Ripe blackberry fruits are harvested in August and September and the plant’s root should be unearthed in February and March.
Blackberry Preparations
Blackberries can be consumed in any form and it is essential to consume them on a regular basis.
Blackberries can be used for preparing juice, jam, tea, marmalade, ice cream, vine, and liqueur.
Fruits can be frozen, dried, boiled and fried. In order to benefit from the nutrients contained in blackberries it is better to consume them raw.
Blackberry Vine (for anemic children and quick recovery from illness)
Put 2 kg of blackberries in a larger glass jar, add 0.5 kg of brown sugar or other natural sweetener.
Mix and leave on some warm spot (or sun) for 20 days. Shake the mixture every other day.
After 20 days filtrate the blackberry wine into clean 0.5 l bottles and seal them.
Preparation for Low Blood Pressure
Put two spoons of threaded rosemary leaves into 1 l of blackberry vine. Compress it and leave it for 10 days.
Filter the vine through the gaze.
Drink 2 dcl of vine after a meal.
Blackberry - Help in Fighting Smoking Addiction
If you want to stop smoking, use Blackberry’s young bubs for chewing. After that the cigarette will not taste that good.
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