Useful properties of blackberries

Although the blackberry is often called the closest relative of raspberry, people usually know less about its properties, although in many areas its regular use can have a much stronger health effect.

Composition and calorie content

In terms of its composition, a berry that was previously inconspicuous may turn out to be a living warehouse of 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, blocky, salicylic).

They also contain a lot of pectin, fiber, phenolic compounds, flavonols, antioxidants, tannins and aromatic substances, glycosides, anthocyanins. The content of vitamins and minerals in blackberries is so diverse that you can't do without a table.

So, 100 grams of blackberries contains:

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 attract many. 100 grams of its berries contain only 32 to 34 kcal. And given that one berry weighs on average 2 grams, the energy value of one blackberry berry 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 a variety of ailments. Young leaves were chewed to strengthen the gums, young shoots were used for bleeding and diarrhea, and even old ulcers and purulent wounds were cured with juice from berries.

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

• Fortifying
• Refreshing and stimulating the body's immune forces
• 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, in the off-season and in winter, the risk of contracting viral infections will decrease.

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, acute respiratory viral infections, bronchitis, pharyngitis and sore throat, it will provide quick help, quench thirst in a feverish state, relieve head and joint pains.

The berries have a beneficial effect 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 stagnation.

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. The pectins contained in berries can accelerate the removal of salts of heavy metals, radioactive compounds and other toxins from the body.

Phenolic compounds and other substances strengthen the heart muscle, tighten and make the walls of blood vessels elastic. Thus, blood 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 a variety of stresses.

Do berries retain their beneficial 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 the beneficial substances are maximally presented and all of 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 the bush, undamaged berries can be stored for no more than 4-5 days. If you put the fruits for storage in a compartment of the refrigerator, where the temperature is maintained at about 0 °, then they can be stored for up to 3 weeks.

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

In order to preserve the berries for a long time and be able to feast on 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 eat them practically without any special restrictions.

The benefits of blackberry jam

Traditionally, blackberries are used to make compotes, jams and preserves. Unfortunately, most of the vitamins are irretrievably lost during heat treatment, but nevertheless, blackberry jam can please with its healing properties. If prepared correctly, 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 are practically unchanged in blackberry jam.

Minerals are retained for about half of their original content.

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

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

As for the calorie content of blackberry preparations, 100 g of blackberry jam already contains from 270 to 390 kcal. Blackberry syrup is usually lower in calories - it only contains about 210 kcal.

What properties are preserved when freezing berries

Of course, berry freezing is not in vain in recent years so popular - after all, it allows you to preserve almost all the healing properties of berries. It should only be borne in mind that when the processes of freezing and defrosting are repeated, useful substances evaporate every time. Therefore, berries should be frozen in small portions, so that they can be consumed whole at one time.

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 blackberry

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 good for men at any age. In young people, they help to increase endurance, strengthen the reproductive system.

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

It is useful to use blackberries with almost no restrictions for those who are predisposed or already sick with diabetes mellitus.

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.

Why blackberries are 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 blackberries are included in your diet, after a while, the hormonal balance is normalized, the course of the menstrual cycle is stabilized, and the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome are weakened.

Tea made from dried blackberries can ease the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. 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 fragrant woodruff
• 15 g marsh dryweed
• 20 g motherwort herb
• 10 g of berries and flowers of hawthorn.

This blend is able to heal and energize women even in the most hopeless-seeming situations.

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

Blackberry decoctions and infusions can help with kidney and urinary problems.

Benefits of berries during pregnancy

Of the many healthy products of nature, blackberries are not only allowed, but also necessary to 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 the successful course of pregnancy, protect the mother and child from the possible adverse effects of various toxins.

Due to their high fiber content, blackberries are beneficial for those suffering from constipation.

Is it possible to eat blackberries during lactation

Restrictions on eating blackberries by a mother during breastfeeding may apply only 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 either in the mother or in the baby, then you can safely include blackberries in your weekly diet.

Why blackberries are useful for children

In general, eating blackberries usually does not cause any allergic reactions in children. Several berries, especially fresh ones, can be offered to a child for a sample 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 to revitalize the entire brain, improve memory, and fight atherosclerosis.

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

For what diseases can blackberries be consumed

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

• Diabetes mellitus (lowers blood sugar)
• Problems with the gastrointestinal tract. With a stomach ulcer, it is better to eat not berries, but drink juice from them.
• Cardiovascular
• Oncology (stops 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
• Certain kidney and urinary problems
• Hypertension (lowers blood pressure)
• Anemia, anemia
• Cold and pulmonary diseases
• Stomatitis and inflammation of the oral cavity

In the presence of any 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 of consumption of blackberries

Small children and lactating women should start feasting on 2-3 berries of blackberries and the optimal norm for them would be to eat 100 grams of berries 2-3 times a week.

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 has not been established, proceed from the needs of your body.But keep in mind that it is advisable to observe the measure in everything and not overeat even the blackberries, which only bring benefits.

For blackberry treatment, you should focus on the appropriate recipe norms. In order to strengthen the immune system, for example, they drink a third of a glass of blackberry juice every day.

The benefits of forest blackberries

Forest blackberries in their composition are practically no different from garden forms. Traditionally, only she uses the whole plant as a whole: from roots to berries, while garden blackberries use mainly berries and leaves.

The benefits of wild blackberry berries may also lie in the fact that they:

• Heal bleeding gums
• Heals abscesses and ulcers
• Remove salts for gout
• Remove neuroses, insomnia
• Eliminate hoarseness and shortness of breath

The 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. The leaves contain many tannins (up to 20%), flavonoids, leukoanthocyanins, minerals, amino acids and vitamins, including ascorbic acid.

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

It also helps well for the treatment of skin problems - dermatitis, eczema, rashes, and even removes the effects of bruises. Gruel made from crushed leaves will help heal almost any ulcer or wound.

Infusion of leaves 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 in 100 ml 20 minutes before meals 3-4 times a day.

Often, like berries, leaf infusions are beneficial for various menstrual irregularities.

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

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

Blackberry leaf tea

Self-made tea from young blackberry leaves according to the following recipe is very useful for the general strengthening of the body. Pick as many young blackberry leaves as possible (it is better to do this at the end of May, right after they bloom). If possible, add in addition half of the total amount of raspberry leaves.

Mix, let them wither, and then knead with a rolling pin, sprinkle with water and, wrapped in natural fabric, hang somewhere in a warm, but not bright place. During this time, fermentation will occur and the leaves will develop an attractive, floral scent.

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

Always store your tea in a tightly closed jar.

The 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 for female diseases and all digestive problems.

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

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

The healing properties of blackberry stems

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

The following infusion will help with neurotic diseases. Collect about 50-100 grams of young blackberry shoots with leaves, finely chop them. Take two tablespoons of the resulting greens, 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.

For diabetics, this drink will be useful to lower the concentration of sugar in the blood. Boil a teaspoon of chopped stems and leaves of blackberries for 10-15 minutes in 200 ml of water, cool, strain and drink throughout the day. It's best to prepare a fresh drink next time.

Effects of blackberry roots on the body

Blackberry roots are usually harvested in the fall. They are consumed as a decoction. A decoction from 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 broth is prepared in the following way. 20 g of chopped 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 to get the initial volume. Use 2 tablespoons before meals 3-4 times a day.

Blackberry diet

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

Several recipes can be used, as suggested below:

Recipe number 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
• For dinner - vegetables

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

Recipe number 2

• 1 meal: Low-fat cottage cheese + 100 g of berries
• Meal 2: 200 g fresh berries
• Meal 3: Vegetable Boiled Rice + Lean Meat
• Meal 4: Blackberry Smoothie
• Meal 5: 100 g of berries and 250 ml of yogurt

Blackberries in cooking

Blackberries can be used to prepare many delicious dishes; they are 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, and wine, liqueur and syrup.

Blackberries in cosmetology

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

But you can also prepare a face mask from berries.

Grind about 40 grams of berries in mashed potatoes, add 15 g of sour cream and 12 ml of honey. Stir well until the mixture is completely homogeneous. Spread the mask over your face, neck and chest and leave it on for half an hour. After finishing, rinse with warm water.

Harm and contraindications to taking blackberries

There are no strict contraindications for taking blackberries. You just need to be careful in using this berry with an exacerbation of some of the diseases listed above.

In addition, in rare cases, an allergic reaction may occur to blackberries. Therefore, if you try it for the first time, do not overuse the amount of berries eaten.

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

Conclusion

Blackberries are a unique berry, the benefits of which are undeniable for the body. Moreover, it can help to cure many diseases and alleviate various painful conditions.

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