Health Benefits - Vitamins and Minerals in Blackberries

The blackberry fruit is particularly abundant in eastern North America and on the Pacific coast; in the British Isles and Western Europe. The bush is characterized by its usually prickly, erect, or trailing stems. The leaves usually have three or five oval coarsely toothed, stalked leaflets, many of which persist through the winter.
The blackberry fruit is an aggregate fruit that is composed of many smaller fruits called drupes. A drupe is a type of fruit in which the outer fleshy part surrounds a seed. Another example of a drupe is the peach.

There are two types of blackberries, erect and trailing. The primary difference is the growth habit of their canes. Erect blackberry fruit types have stiff, arching canes that are somewhat self-supporting. Trailing blackberries, also called dewberries in the East, have canes that are not self-supporting.

Health Benefits of Blackberries

• The high tannin content, and the resultant antiseptic and astringent properties, of blackberries makes them good for tightening tissues as well as treating minor bleeding.
• Consumption of blackberry has been found to be beneficial for those suffering from diarrhea and intestinal inflammation.
• Mild infections, like sore throats and mouth irritations, can be treated with the help of blackberries.
• Blackberries have been used to alleviate hemorrhoids also, another property that arises from their high tannin content.
• Blackberries have been found to have anti-bacterial properties and can even help cleanse blood.
• Regular consumption of blackberries has been seen to delay the process of ageing.
• Blackberries are known to contain salicylate, an analgesic or pain reliever, which might help lower the risk of heart diseases.
• A dilute tea made out of the leaves, roots, or stem bark of blackberries can be used to treat dysentery.
• Regular consumption of blackberries can help strengthen the blood vessels in your body.
• Blackberries serve as a great source of ellagic acid, which is known to have antiviral properties.
• The high fiber content in blackberries helps maintain digestive health, control blood sugar, lose weight and lower cholesterol levels.
• The flavonoids present in blackberries promote vision health, by preventing macular degeneration.

Amount - One cup of blackberries contains 7.6 grams of dietary fiber.

Protein - 2 grams

Calories  - 62

Nutrition In Blackberries

Minerals Contained

• Potassium - 233 mg
• Phosphorus - 32 mg
• Magnesium - 29 mg
• Calcium - 42 mg
• Sodium - 1 mg
• Iron - 0.89 mg
• Selenium 0.6 mcg
• Manganese - 0.93 mg
• Copper - 0.238 mg
• Zinc - 0.76 mg
• Also contains small amounts of other minerals.

Vitamins Contained

• Vitamin A - 308 IU
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - 0.029 mg
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - 0.037 mg
• Niacin - 0.93 mg
• Folate - 36 mcg
• Pantothenic Acid - 0.397 mg
• Vitamin B6 - 0.043 mg
• Vitamin C - 30.2 mg
• Vitamin E - 1.68 mg
• Vitamin K - 28.5 mcg
• Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.