Decorate with Holly Berries, but enjoy the Taste & Health Benefits of Blackberries

Decorate with Holly Berries, but enjoy the Taste & Health Benefits of Blackberries

It can be easy around this time of year to indulge in all the holiday goodies and forget about the real good stuff (healthy foods).  In fact, studies suggest that the average American gains one pound during the holidays. This might not sound like much, but it can add up and become a real problem if it develops into a yearly pattern.

But if you’re looking for something to satisfy a sweet craving that won’t turn you into Saint Nick this Christmas, you might want to try munching on some delicious blackberries.

These sweet and tart berries aren’t just meant to be enjoyed during the summer. Their amazing health benefits exceed their refreshing taste. Check out all their impressive health benefits:

1. Excellent Source of Vitamins & Antioxidants

Vitamin C

Because people cannot synthesize their own Vitamin C, it’s necessary to include it in your diet. Lucky for us, blackberries are loaded with Vitamin C. In fact, one cup of raw blackberries has half the daily recommended value of Vitamin C. This important vitamin is good for you bone health, skin health, and helps your wounds heal faster.  

Vitamin C also has an antioxidant agent. Antioxidants help people to fight against the adverse impact of free radicals in the body. In a nutshell, antioxidants are beneficial in fighting chronic conditions and degenerative diseases.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is used by the body to help your blood clot. Because of this, you won’t completely bleed out when you cut yourself. It is a key nutrient to help your wounds heal properly. You can get one-third of your daily recommended Vitamin K by eating just one cup of raw blackberries.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is also found in blackberries. This important vitamin helps support good vision, strengthen the immune system, and assist with reproduction. It also helps bodily organs (such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys) to function properly. It is also linked to supporting your bones, maintaining good oral health, and improving your skin.

2. Loaded with Fiber

Fiber helps move the food you eat through your digestive system. If you don’t have enough fiber in your diet (which many of us do not), you can suffer from constipation, irregular stools, bloating, and stomach pain. However, a diet rich in fiber will help lower your cholesterol, regulate your bowels, control your blood sugar levels, and help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.  

Blackberries contain two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble dissolves in water and is responsible for reducing your blood sugar levels, while insoluble does not dissolve in water, but does support healthy digestion.

3. High in Manganese

Manganese is a mineral that helps many chemical processes in the body to function properly including: regulating blood sugar, reducing inflammation, supporting the metabolism, and reducing premenstrual cramps. It may even help prevent osteoporosis and reduce epileptic seizures.

Manganese is also key to building healthy bones and developing a strong immune system. One cup of raw blackberries contains almost half the daily recommended value.

4. Improved Cognitive Health

According to some research, eating blackberries may also improve brain health and help prevent memory loss caused by aging. The research summarized that antioxidants in berry fruits help combat free radicals and change how brain neurons communicate.

5. Improved Oral Health

According to a study in 2013, the antibacterial properties and anti-inflammatory abilities in blackberries can lower the risk of gum disease, promote gum health, and prevent cavities.

How to Enjoy blackberries:

Blackberries are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth and help improve your overall health. Their sweet, tart flavor make them the perfect addition to any meal or snack, and are so versatile to use. Try incorporating these berries into your diet by using them in smoothies, yogurt parfaits, salads, on cereal, desserts, blended into savory meat sauces, and of course as your favorite snack–a Blackberry Jolly Llama Sorbet Pop.  

 

This delicious and refreshing sorbet pop is true to its name–it tastes just like perfectly ripe blackberries pureed into a sweet, smooth sorbet. They’re also made with real fruit, have very little sugar, and are low in calories. These dairy-free, fat free, and gluten-free sorbet pops make for the perfect snack when you’re craving something sweet. Go try one (or two or three) today!

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