Mountain Blackberries

Blackberry /Rubus caesius L./

Rosaceae family
It grows near fences, forests and shrubs throughout the country.
Leaves, roots and fruits are used. The leaves are harvested green-June-September. The roots are taken out in autumn-October-November. The fruits are picked at full ripening – August – September.

Chemical composition:

The leavescontain vitamin C, flavones, inositol, organic acids, mineral salts (mainly magnesium), tannins.
The rootscontain starch and tannins. The fruits contain vitamins (C, B1, B2, PP, K, provitamin A), sugars, dyes, pectin, organic acids, mineral salts.

Health benefits of blackberries

• Useful for brain health

Eating fruits (blackberries, blueberries, strawberries) and other berries is good for the brain and can help avoid age-related memory loss and other changes. Blackberries contain high levels of antioxidants, compounds that help protect cells from damage by harmful free radicals. Fruits change the way neurons in the brain communicate. These signaling changes can prevent inflammation in the brain, leading to neuronal damage, and improve both motor control and cognition.

• Reduction of erectile dysfunction

Some documents suggest that blackberries are especially useful for reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction. Among the various flavonoids, anthocyanins found in blackberries, raspberries, flavonoids and flavones (found in citrus fruits) provide the greatest benefits in regulating the problem.

• Antioxidant benefits

Studies recommend eating foods that contain antioxidants. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, carotene, lycopene, lutein and many other substances present in blackberries play an important role in preventing diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, macular degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease. Blackberries are rich in effective antioxidants; these elements competently strengthen your immune system and help your body fight disease. Antioxidants are useful for neutralizing free radicals that are thought to be detrimental to the results of natural cellular metabolism. Because our body can naturally produce antioxidants, which is not 100% effective and this effectiveness decreases with age.

• Controls the accumulation of LDL

Studies have concluded that blackberries can significantly reduce the accumulation of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, the culprit that leads to stroke, heart disease and atherosclerosis, a form of arteriosclerosis. Blackberries have the highest LDL inhibitory effect, followed by strawberries, red raspberries, blueberries and sweet cherries.

• Maintains bone health and prevents osteoporosis

Manganese, along with other minerals such as copper, zinc and calcium, can help reduce bone loss, especially in the elderly, who are more likely to have weak bones and bone fractures. Blackberries consist of a huge amount of manganese 0.93 mg, which is 40.43% of the recommended daily value.
Studies show that eating manganese-rich foods such as blackberries, along with other bone-supporting nutrients such as magnesium, copper, zinc, calcium, can improve bone mass in women as well as weak bones, which is beneficial for natural healing. of osteoporosis.

• Cancer treatment

Various studies have shown that regular increased consumption of vitamin C-rich fruits is associated with a reduced chance of cancer of the mouth, throat, colon, stomach, rectum, lungs and esophagus. Current research shows that some enzymes that can be found in blackberries can help prevent and treat cancer. Blackberries contain 30.2 mg (33.56% of DV) of vitamin C, which protects the whole body from cancer cells to improve overall health.

• Helps maintain healthy gums and teeth

Fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, C, D and vitamin K are essential to fight tooth decay and gum disease symptoms. Fat-soluble vitamins are needed to overcome caries and gum problems, which play a major role in the mineralization of teeth and bones.

A diet rich in vitamins and minerals helps kill harmful bacteria that are found in the mouth and creates acids that damage teeth. Vitamin K, found in Blackberry, is one of the essential nutrients that works with other vitamins and minerals to kill bacteria that damage tooth enamel, leading to caries, and providing the teeth with essential minerals to keep them healthy.

• Digestive health

The black berry is loaded with dietary fiber. One cup of blackberry (144 g) has 20% of the daily intake. Dietary fiber is essential for better digestive health. Dietary fiber prevents and relieves both diarrhea and constipation.

Therapeutic action and application:

The ancient Greeks used blackberries as a remedy for gout.
The leaves and bark of the roots contain tannin and have long been used as an astringent and tonic and have been evaluated as a remedy for dysentery and diarrhea.
The juice can be used to relieve the discomfort of hemorrhoids.
Precautions
Patients with cancer or a history of cancer, especially cancer of the stomach and colon, should not take extreme amounts of blackberry tea.
If taken in large quantities, tannins in blackberry leaves can cause stress, nausea and vomiting.
Pregnant and lactating mothers can eat blackberries in normal amounts, but should avoid the use of blackberry leaf tea.