Berry smoothies can be a great way of nourishing your body with the important nutrients.
But what type of berries are best for a healthy smoothie? Blackberries are versatile fruits that you can eat as raw or even use them to make desserts, jams, candies and wines.
United States produces the highest amount of blackberries worldwide and with Oregon State as the center of production.
Blackberries are infamous sweet and more tart as compared to raspberries. Sometimes, people confuse them with the black raspberries. The fruits are similar even though blackberries are smoother, retain their stem and have a hairless exterior. Raspberries on the other hand are usually hollow after picking. Blackberries add delicious and distinctive flavor to your smoothie.
Some healthy benefits of blackberries
Blackberries are amongst the best known antioxidant rich fruits. Furthermore, they contain higher levels of manganese, fiber, vitamin C and copper. They only contain 2 grams of protein and 61 calories in every cup. Blackberries are also a better source of vitamin A – as beta carotene, vitamin B5, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K and folate. One full cup of blackberries supply 4% recommended daily value (RDA) of calcium and at least 7% RDA of zinc.
In addition, blackberries contain a photochemical, cyandin – 3 – glucoside that is beneficial in fighting cancer. Research has shown that the photochemical contains both thermo-therapeutic and thermo-preventive activities. Lignans (phytoestrogen) in the berries help postmenstrual women in surviving breast cancer. Various studies have suggested that women with …