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Plump, sweet blackberries grow wild across most of North
America and are a good source of manganese and tannins. The
blackberry is actually an ancient fruit, prescribed by the
Ancient Greeks for gout, mentioned in the Bible, and commonly
written about in British folklore.
Wild blackberries are relatives of the rose and the soft,
juicy fruit grows on thorny bushes or trailing vines. Just
like a raspberry, the blackberry is called an "aggregate
fruit" because each berry is really a cluster of tiny fruits,
or druplets. Each druplet has a seed, and, unlike
raspberries, blackberry druplets remain centered around the
core even after the berry is picked.
Blackberries are considered to be an astringent because of
their high tannin content. Studies show that tannins tighten
tissue, lesson minor bleeding, and may help to alleviate
diarrhea and intestinal Inflammation. German health
authorities recommend blackberries for mild infections
including sore throats and mouth irritations. Traditionally,
blackberries have been used to alleviate hemorrhoids because
of their rich tannin content. Scientists have also reported
anti-tumor properties associated with tannins found in some
varieties of blackberries. Future research will explore the
implications for treating human cancer. Overindulgence of
tannin-rich blackberries may lead to constipation.
Blackberries abound in antioxidants, such as anthocyanin
pigments, responsible for the purplish-black color of
blackberries and may impart health benefits because of their
Antioxidant properties. Additional antioxidants in
blackberries are vitamins C and E, and ellagic acid; all may
provide protection against cancer and chronic disease.
Cooking does not seem to destroy ellagic acid, so even
blackberry jams and desserts retain ellagic acid health
benefits. Interestingly, blackberries are a natural source of
salicylate, an active substance found in aspirin. Potential
benefits have yet to be explored and some experts advise
caution to particularly aspirin-sensitive individuals.
Because of their many tiny seeds, blackberries are a source
of soluble fiber, such as pectin.
From wholehealthmd.com