By the shape of the berries, this shrub resembles raspberries, which is not surprising, since raspberries and blackberries belong to the same genus. To taste, these berries are different. The fruits of blackberry have a sweet and sour taste, the flowers come in from blue-violet to gray-black.
Among fans to enjoy delicious berries, the question often arises of how nutritious blackberries are. The calorie content of the product allows you to eat it even for those who are afraid of excess calories.
Where are you from? Where grows
This shrub appeared on the territory of America, after which, over time, it spread to other countries of the world.
In the wild, this shrub grows in forests, often planted in garden plots. Despite the thorns that the plant has in abundance, the blackberry, whose calorific value is low, is gaining more and more popularity. And the beneficial properties of the fruit double the number of its fans.
Blackberry: calorie content, useful properties
This berry has a rich composition. Blackberry, the caloric value of which attracts the attention of people who monitor calorie consumption, has the following composition of useful elements:
- potassium;
- glucose, sucrose, fructose;
- vitamin A;
- B vitamins;
- Vitamin E
- vitamin C;
- vitamin PP;
- pectins;
- carotene;
- thiamine;
- sodium;
- magnesium;
- calcium;
- iron;
- copper;
- volatile;
- zinc.
Regular consumption of berries of this shrub will allow:
- Solve the problem of high blood pressure.
- Reduce cholesterol and strengthen blood vessels.
- Positive effect on kidney function.
- Stabilize the genitourinary system.
- Improve the condition of the heart muscle.
Blackberry, whose calorie content is small, does not harm the figure.
Due to its strong diuretic properties, it helps to eliminate cholecystitis and is useful for patients suffering from gallstone disease. The choleretic properties that the blackberry possesses prevent the occurrence of conditions that cause inflammation, the formation of stagnation and stones.
The antioxidant properties of berries are widely known. They prevent the occurrence of cancer, stop the aging process.
Due to its ability to promote the regeneration of blood and skin cells, the blackberry thus activates the body's internal reserves in the fight against various diseases.
How to use a berry
Not only the fruits of the shrub are suitable for consumption, in folk medicine they also use leaves: they are dried and added to tea. Such a drink improves the metabolism in the body and is useful to people who have diabetes.
If dried berries are added to tea, it will acquire soothing properties. Also, this product has no analogues to reduce the negative manifestations of hormonal changes during menopause.
Fresh blackberries, like raspberries, have an antipyretic effect. Their use will help to quickly cope with colds, pneumonia and tonsillitis.
With intestinal disorders or dysentery, blackberries are taken in the form of a sweet syrup. Its bactericidal properties will help get rid of worms.
Recipes of traditional medicine are advised to use a decoction of fresh leaves during bleeding of the stomach.
Fresh shredded leaves of the bush are applied to the wounds for their speedy healing, since phytoncides are included in their composition.
Procurement process
It is quite difficult to see a blackberry on sale, since it grows mostly in forests, swamps and riverbanks. The ripening period is July – September. The berries collected at this time have the richest composition of elements.
You should not collect already overripe blackberries, as it loses almost all of its useful properties and acquires a rather sour taste.
The most optimal methods for harvesting berries are freezing and drying.
Blackberry: calories, proteins, fats, fiber
This berry belongs to low-calorie foods. Blackberry, the calorie content per 100 grams of which is 34 kilocalories, has the following ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates:
- Proteins - 1.5 g.
- Fats - 0.5 g.
- Carbohydrates - 4.4 g.
Berries are rich in fiber. It is very valuable to the body. Fiber content is approximately 5% of the total weight of the product.
Contraindications
Refuse to use blackberries should be if there is personal intolerance to this product.
The berry is also contraindicated for those who have a stomach ulcer.
The use of blackberries during pregnancy and lactation
It is useful to consume berry while carrying and feeding a child. Thanks to her, the woman’s body is restored faster in the postpartum period.
During pregnancy, one of the indicators that are constantly monitored is the level of hemoglobin. Due to its composition, this product stabilizes its level. And due to the fact that blackberries, whose caloric content is very low, speeds up the metabolism, it is useful to eat it for dessert instead of sweets. This will keep weight under control.
Despite the fact that berries are not prone to cause allergic reactions, it is still best to consult a specialist before use during this period that is special for a woman.
The calorie content of fresh blackberries allows you to include it in your daily diet. This will allow the body not to suffer from a lack of nutrients and vitamins.