I just rolled into town from a last hooray camping/fishing trip with my youngest son before he leaves for college. He is an avid fly fisherman so we traveled Oregon rivers looking for the best catch. Today, by the side of the Rogue River, while I watched him hook fish after fish, I discovered a black berry bush overloaded with yummy fruit. My husband and I had a feast on the overly ripe fruit. While I was eating, I was reminded of all the yummy goodness I was putting into my body.
One cup of blackberries contains a scant 62 calories, 1 gram of fat, and only 14 carbs. These values make them a no- brainer to add to a diet of healthy eating.
Blackberries are loaded with Vitamin C, with one cup having over half the recommended daily allowance. Vitamin C is important to collagen formation in bones, connective tissue, and blood vessels and may help shorten the common cold.
One cup of blackberries has 8 grams of both insoluble and soluble fiber, important for digestive health and keeping you feeling full longer.
Blackberries also are also loaded with Vitamin K. Vitamin K helps with blood clotting and strong bones.
Blackberries are filled with antioxidants, important for fighting free radical damage to slow down the aging process.
Blackberries high antioxidant count may also be helpful in brain health by preventing age related memory loss.
Finally, blackberries are rich in vitamin A carotenoids like beta-carotene and lutein, making them helpful in improving vision and overall eye health.
Even though my tummy was quite full after my blackberry extravaganza today, I feel good knowing I supplied my body with all these amazing benefits.
Photo from flickr.
