Blackberry's homeland is North America, and now it is quite widespread around the globe. Blackberry shrubs grow in America, Europe, Siberia, the Caucasus, Asia and Africa. They can be found in the forest, in the garden, and even on mountain slopes. Blackberry is a close relative of raspberry, the main difference between them is the different structure of berries. In total about 200 kinds of blackberry are known. Earlier shrubs with this berry perceived simply as a weed, not understanding what colossal benefit comes from the blackberry. Now she rightfully occupies a place of honor among the rest of the forest berries.
Composition of blackberry
Often, blackberries are used for health purposes due to its medicinal properties, which are due to its remarkable composition. It is rich in various minerals and vitamins. It also contains a large amount of organic acids, sugars ( fructose and glucose), pectin substances, bioflavonoids, fiber and pectin.
Vitamins contained in blackberries:
- FROM;
- PP;
- TO;
- A and beta-carotene;
- B1 and B2;
- E.
Most of all in the blackberry of vitamin C - 15 mg per 100 g. In this it surpasses blueberry and even blueberries. Next comes vitamin E, moreover, in this berry it is even more than in popular raspberries. Slightly does not hold the blackberry to a record on the content of vitamins A, K and B.
Among the microelements in the blackberry are: potassium, manganese, phosphorus, iodine, sodium, copper, chromium, cobalt and magnesium.
The benefits and harm of blackberry
Regular use of blackberries will serve as an excellent preventive against infectious diseases, that is, significantly strengthen immunity. Berry directly helps with diseases of ARI, pneumonia, and all thanks to its antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. So, a warm gull from the blackberry will help your speedy recovery. In addition, this drink will not only be extremely useful, but also insanely delicious.
It is also recommended to take blackberries for cystitis, diseases of the bladder, diabetes and even for diseases of the stomach and intestines. It is proved that the blackberry is able to slow down the development of a cancerous tumor. Regular consumption of berries increases metabolism and has a beneficial effect on cerebral vessels, improves memory.
For medical purposes, use the berry itself, and its leaves, and even roots. For example, a decoction of leaves is a strong agent with a diuretic and diaphoretic effect. The leaves of the blackberry will be more useful than ever for atherosclerosis, gastritis and hypertension.
Tincture from the root of the blackberry is used for dropsy, as well as for bleeding and problems with digestion.
Despite the extreme benefits of blackberries, in some cases it can bring and harm. First of all, this applies to people who have increased acidity of the stomach, in this case, the use of blackberries should be minimized. In addition, people with a strong allergy to the blackberry should generally exclude it from their diet.
The use of blackberry
In order to get the most benefit from the blackberry, it is recommended to use it fresh. It should be noted that even when frozen, it does not lose its useful properties, and even in a dried form it will undoubtedly bring health and benefits.
The benefits of compote, tea and juice from blackberries are not only that they are delicious drinks. Any use of berries in cooking is justified and welcomed at times when contrary to high taste qualities, fresh berry no longer causes a smile on your face.
Also, blackberries are often used in preparing various pies, cupcakes, marmalade and even ice cream - all these sweets will be better and more useful with blackberries than without it (although sweet can not bring great profit).
Blackberry with losing weight
Among other things, we are dealing with a low-calorie berry, so that it will be an excellent assistant in the fight against excess kilograms. The energy value of the forest fruit is only 31 kcal per 100 g, which is already nice. In addition, the blackberry refers to products with a negative caloric value , that is, you will spend an order of more calories to digest it, than, ultimately, get from the berry itself.