Anthocyanins, or the “flashy flavonoid,” give blackberries their glossy, dark color, and it’s this powerful phytonutrient that’s been shown to protect the brain from oxidative stress and may even reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. If you struggle with painful symptoms of PMS, one solution might be to introduce more blackberries into your diet. Blackberries also show antibacterial activity, another function by which they protect your body from disease. Specifically, anthocyanin (a particular polyphenol) is found in high concentrations in this fruit. Additionally, the seeds are a great source of antioxidants . (2) The high levels of oxidative stress that cause the proliferation (growth) of cancer cells are blocked by the anthocyanins found in blackberries. (7) It’s crucial to get the proper amount of manganese in your diet in order to keep your synapses firing correctly. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. They also loaded with many health-benefiting pigment antioxidants and essential minerals. Blackberries are high in vitamin C. Blackberries contain a high level of … And for those of us who can’t resist a healthy dessert, why not try this recipe for Vegan Blackberry Peach Ice Cream? The natural process of inflammation is part of the body’s defense against harmful cells, but the Western diet is especially prone to encouraging chronic, disease-causing inflammation. It also seems that blackberries and extracted compounds from them have the ability to protect brain cells from degeneration. Blackberries also help your heart function well and your skin stay healthy, along with the other health benefits of blackberries. Skin health isn’t all about preventing wrinkles, though. Learn blackberries nutrition profile here. The vitamin K in blackberries is important for the health of your entire cardiovascular system. Blackberries have also been shown to have beneficial health effects in the fight against cancers of the GI tract, like colon cancer. Healthy consumption of vitamin K is also linked to healthy blood pressure levels, reduced inflammation in cells that line blood vessels (both veins and arteries) as well as a lower chance of heart attack. Blackberries may be thornier than black raspberries, but there are also thornless blackberries. These fruits also found their place in ancient folklore as symbolic representations of a large number of things. While the cause of cancer is complex and different for every person, the mutation of DNA and healthy cells in particular is what seems to lead to the growth of this disease, so eating antioxidant-rich foods, such as blackberries, helps suppress this mutation. The tiny bubbles on blackberries are known as drupelets, which are what make them similar in composition to other drupes. It promotes collagen production, decreases the instance of dry skin and may even prevent premature aging of the skin. (15), Sometimes, the health benefits of blackberries reach skin-deep, and that’s no joke. Dr. Josh Axe is on a mission to provide you and your family with the highest quality nutrition tips and healthy recipes in the world...Sign up to get VIP access to his eBooks and valuable weekly health tips for FREE! 30 Gluten-Free Recipes This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. Vitamin K may also be a factor in the anti-cancer properties of blackberries. It’s also good practice to avoid fruits low enough to have been licked or partially eaten by dogs or rodents. Currently, Mexico is the largest exporter of blackberries. Blackberry Nutrition Facts: Fresh blackberries were recently identified as a top cancer fighter. ), How to Cook Turkey Breast (Plus Benefits, Nutrition & Side Effects), 30.2 milligrams vitamin C (50 percent DV), 28.5 micrograms vitamin K (36 percent DV), 0.4 milligram vitamin B5/pantothenic acid (4 percent DV), 31.7 milligrams phosphorus (3 percent DV). Try searching for the freshest, best produce between August and September. This fruit contains a long inventory of vital nutrients, many of which are found in huge quantities in just one serving, such as fiber, vitamin C, manganese and vitamin K — which is why the health benefits of blackberries are so plentiful. For a lunch salad or appetizer full of antioxidants and flavor, try our Blackberry Lemon Salad (with a homemade salad dressing you’re definitely going to make again). (8). In a 2006 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, scientists indicated that blackberries’ antioxidant content of 5.75 millimoles per serving was far above that of other foods. Similar to the health benefits of blueberries, this delicate berry contains at least a third of the daily recommended value for four important nutrients and has been found to fight everything from premature skin aging to aggressive cancers. (11), Anti-inflammatory foods often go hand in hand with foods high in antioxidants, and blackberries are no exception. From salads to desserts, blackberries are a favorite for every part of your meal. (14). (5). A member of the Rosaceae family, blackberries are produced by about seven various species in the Rubus genus and are one of the most nutrient-rich foods you can easily find. Explorer, writer and botanist John Bertram was one of the first to formally record the presence of blackberries in his work for the original United States Botanical Garden, writing of the plants outside of Mobile, Ala., “[It] grows here five or six feet high, rambling like Brier vines over the fences and shrubs.” Modern cultivation began in the late 1800s in the Americas by Judge Logan of California.