Blackberry

Now that it is blackberry season, it's a good time to discuss the health benefits of this overlooked fruit.

Much like spinach, raisins, apples, plums and grapes, blackberries are rich in bioflavonoids and Vitamin C, but other nutritional benefits include a very low sodium count and having only 62 calories to a cup.

The dark blue color ensures blackberries have one of the highest antioxidant levels of all fruits. Antioxidants, well-known for lowering the risk of a number of cancers, are a huge bonus.

Consumption of blackberries can help to promote the healthy tightening of tissue, which is a great non-surgical procedure to make skin look younger. Prolonged consumption also helps keeps your brain alert, thereby maintaining clarity of thought and good memory.

The healthy dose of Vitamin K aids in muscle relaxing, so some women use the berries to alleviate labor pains. As part of a regular diet, the juice can also be used to regulate menstruation as it is very effective in helping blood to clot.

The high tannin content of blackberries provides a number of benefits to reduce intestinal inflammation and alleviate hemorrhoids.

It is useful to incorporate berries in your diet in a variety of ways. Have them as a snack or in your cereal, in a smoothie, or in a delicious glass of blackberry lemonade.