Although bananas are my all-time favorite fruit, I recognize that it’s a good idea to incorporate other fruits into my diet in order to gain the nutritional benefits that result from eating them. While there are a plethora of healthy fruits out there that I could consume, blackberries contain unique health benefits that can play a profound role in helping me obtain optimal health. Here are three health benefits that result from consuming blackberries:
1. Digestive Benefits.
The fact that consuming blackberries engenders digestive benefits becomes plain upon considering the fact that the dark fruit contains fiber. The fiber in the blackberries aids in the digestive process and might even help lower our cholesterol levels, thereby fighting cardiovascular disease. As noted by LiveStrong in their discussion about the health benefits of blackberries, each cup of the fruit contains nearly 8 grams of fiber. The vitamin A contained in blackberries also aids our digestion by ensuring that we maintain healthy mucous membranes, such as those that line the insides of our mouths. Every cup of raw blackberries contains 13% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A for women and 10% for men.
2. Cancer-Fighting Properties.
As many health experts know, blackberries contain cancer-fighting properties. In discussing them, LiveStrong notes that they contain anthocyanins which act as antioxidants by fighting genetic mutations and tissue damage that causes cancer. Additionally, the anthocyanins in blackberries may have the ability to slow down cancer cell growth.
3. Low In Calories.
In citing the health benefits of blackberries, SFGate notes that each cup contains just 62 calories. This is important given that two thirds of Americans are overweight or obese as a result of taking in too many calories. Because blackberries are so low in calorie and high in fiber, they can contribute to health by precluding weight gain given that you can get full on them fast without taking in too many calories that will eventually be stored as fat. In recognizing this reality, it is a good idea to replace unhealthy snacks such as Snickers bars and potato chips with blackberries.
Conclusion
In recognizing that America is currently facing a health epidemic, it is important that the public begin taking strides towards reclaiming and maintaining health. Although there are a plethora of ways to make this happen, increasing consumption of healthy foods such as fresh fruits is a relatively easy and highly effective way to do so. By eating more blackberries, you expose yourself to a simultaneously nutritious and delicious snack that can help you attain optimal health. There are a variety of great ways you can consume blackberries, such as by themselves or in a smoothie. Irrespective of how you prepare them, you are sure to reap great health benefits upon doing so. Good luck! :)
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