Eye Health
Vitamin C functions as an antioxidant in blackberries and one cup contains half of the daily recommendation of vitamin C. The body uses vitamin C for protection from immune system deficiencies, and may reduce the chances of macular degeneration, a condition in which fine vision deteriorates, resulting in central vision loss and is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50.
Women’s Health
Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring plant estrogens found in blackberries that may help relieve the common symptoms of PMS like bloating, food cravings, and even menopausal symptoms including hot flashes.
Digestive Tract Health
Just one cup of blackberries contains over thirty percent of the daily recommended amount of fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and aids in maintaining bowel regularity by bulking up the feces and reducing the time it takes matter to pass all the way through the intestines. Bowel regularity is commonly associated with a decreased risk for colon cancer.
Diabetes
Thirty percent of the daily recommended amount of fiber is to be found in just one cup of blackberries. The steady movement of fiber through the digestive system allows for a measured breakdown of food into its component parts. This even breakdown of food helps to curtail extremes regarding simple sugar uptake from the digestive tract. An excess of simple sugar uptake all at once can produce an unwanted blood sugar spike. A lack of simple sugar uptake may produce a rapid blood sugar drop. Either extreme can upset blood sugar balance. The quantity of fiber in blackberries helps avoid both extremes.
When choosing blackberries, look for ones that have a rich, deep color and that are plump. If they have hulls, they were picked too early and will be tart. Blackberries will not ripen after they are picked. Store them unwashed in an air-tight refrigerated container.
Blackberry Pomegranate Smoothies
5 minutes
Yield: 2 (8 oz Smoothies)
Ingredients
1 Cup Fresh or Frozen Blackberries
1/2 Cup Whole Milk
1/2 Cup Whole Milk Plain Yogurt
1/2 Cup Pomegranate Juice
Instructions
Combine all ingredients with a hand blender or full size blender.