Is there anything else you need to know about them besides the fact that they are produced in massive quantities in the state of Oregon, which is the number #1 producer in the World? YES! Of course, there are a lot more facts regarding blackberries that may help you change the way you look at them… or the way you eat them. And in the case of my children -and perhaps many others- the way they avoid them!
We have all come across them in desserts, cakes, jams and jellies. But have you ever stopped to think whether this delicious fruit was making you any healthier? Read on to find the answers.
Fact #1: Blackberries contain about 7 1/2 grams of fiber and only 62 calories per cup. They are a great source of pectin. Culinary uses aside, the latter has been known to be one of the best sources of dietary fiber. Pectin is a soluble fiber that binds to dietary fats blocking the absorption of up to 90 calories a day. Because it travels through the small intestine more or less intact, it helps our bodies get rid of certain elements that have proven to deteriorate our biological systems. Even though it does not contribute directly to our nutrition, it is a fact that it has positive effects in regards to controlling our blood cholesterol levels. Thus, it is a good idea to make it part of our regular dietary consumption. By the way, citrus peels are the ones that have the highest concentration of pectin at 30%. And apples, apricots, carrots and oranges compete shoulder to shoulder for that second spot.
Fact #2: Blackberries also contain large amounts of anthocyanins, a pigment that produces a somewhat stringent flavor and induces dark coloring in fruits. This pigment is also responsible for triggering neuronal growth in the brain’s hyppocampus which helps to improve our memory and focus. Some studies suggest that berries are able to accomplish such feat in as little as 8 weeks. According to Wikipedia, “Plants rich in anthocyanins are Vaccinium species, such as blueberry, cranberry and bilberry, Rubus berries including black raspberry, red raspberry and blackberry, blackcurrant, cherry, eggplant peel, black rice, Concord grape and muscadine grape, red cabbage and violet petals.” We also know that the most salient feature of anthocyanins is that they can act as powerful antioxidants. Still, there is ongoing research to establish its effectiveness in scavenging of free-radicals in an environment beyond its own. This past June, the National Berry Crops Initiative Berry Health Benefits Symposium was held in Monterrey, CA to explore the positive impact in human health in relation to the consumption of berries. There is now laboratory evidence that among the many benefits that may result from anthocyanins consumption there is the prevention of:
- certain forms of cancer,
- prevention of aging and neurological diseases,
- prevention of inflammation,
- prevention of diabetes,
- prevention of bacterial infections.
Fact #3: But perhaps the most interesting fact about blackberries, or berries in general, is that their anthocyanins can be successfully used in the solar industry. What!? …you may be asking. In layman terms, they absorb light and can convert it into electrons. Due to their abundance in nature and projected 90% efficiency -plus their ability to bend or be printed- it’s not inconceivable that one day they may get to replace silicon cells. No doubt they are going to taste exponentially better!
So next time you are ready to prepare wheaties for the boys… don’t forget about those berries!
Lola M Nandes
2 years ago
Hiya! Thank you for this article. It is just what I was looking for. I was wondering if you also have information or can guide me to a source of information for raspberries. I know they share some of what you wrote about with blackberries. But I am doing a research project on raspberries (and their beneficiary health effects) and you seem to have a good handle on this. Thank you, again!
Strawberry grl
2 years ago
Mmmh. I love strawberries. Berries in general. Thank you for that link. There was a lot of good information on that Symposium page. In the past, I heard many of these berries -specially strawberries- are treated with Methyl Bromide during their growing season and that this herbicide being very potent is very dangerous. Do you know of any source of information in regards to this? What are the regulations for imported berries from foreign growers? How do I know the nice, shiny strawberries I pick up at my local supermarket do not have any residues of pesticides and such?
I would really hate to learn that all the beneficiary effects you wrote about and that are so good for our skins will be offset by an even greater hidden danger.
Thank you,
Jessie from cali.
Author
2 years ago
Hi, just saw your note. Thank you.
I do not think I am the right person to answer this. I personally avoid fruits and vegetables grown in central America and sometimes South America except for Chile. I know they have many controls down there when it comes to quality.
I would think that ALL fruits and vegetables that enter the US go through an in-depth and rigorous inspection for traces of pesticides and herbicides and that the tolerances established are well within human consumption. But remember, this is just a personal opinion. If you want to be really sure buy only ORGANIC stuff. A few more dollars but you may get a better sleep too.
As for Methyl Bromide I have found this page that seems very comprehensive and will clarify some facts:
http://www.calstrawberry.com/research/mbromide.asp
- Methyl bromide has been completely discontinued in 35 percent of California’s 33,000 acres of strawberry fields. The remaining acreage is being transitioned as quickly as possible without compromising responsible production practices.
My comment: given the economic importance of this pesticide I am not sure how much any of these sources can be trusted as there may be an attempt to clean up its reputation a bit under the disguise of “education”. So take it with a grain of salt. And if you happen to find some information feel free to post the links here.