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Blackberries, allies of beauty

They can be the perfect dessert, and they bring significant health and beauty benefits.

 

Berries rank high on the list of super-foods, due to their antioxidants’ properties – one cup of raw blackberries contains 30,2 milligrams of vitamin C. Most of the time, however, blueberries receive more attention – and rightfully so.

Nevertheless, studies show that blackberries might be even more nutritionally valuable: in anthocyanins, they have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, being capable of combating diabetes and certain types of cancer. Then, they contain loads of fiber (14%), contributing to a better digestion. They can also boost brain health, adjust cholesterol, and help maintain oral health. And if that wasn’t enough, blackberries can serve your beauty, whether you eat them or use them for skincare (in its natural form, as an ingredient in masks or care products). To achieve extraordinary results, it would be ideal to take action from both the inside and the outside.

If there’s one thing that makes a difference in skincare, it’s undoubtedly antioxidants. They have proven effective in combating the signs of skin aging, helping fight against the effects of free radicals, reducing skin cell damage, and improving skin tone and overall appearance. Blackberries contain anti-aging ingredients that are rich in antioxidants, often being utilized in face and body products, whether it’s concentrated serums, lipsticks, or body lotions.

Vitamin C is the most popular nutrient equipped with antioxidant properties, known to help our body with collagen production. If vitamin C absorption is sufficient and regular, it can help smooth skin tone and texture, brighten complexion, and protect the skin from the visible effects of pollution and other external factors.

Vitamin A is essential for our skin, and it is abundantly found in blackberries. Vitamin A can slow the signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, uneven texture, and weak elasticity.

Another important skin vitamin is vitamin K – a nutrient found in blackberries that can help fade scars, stretch marks, sunspots, and other visible skin problems.

The delicious fruit is not the only one that is beneficial for beauty; blackberry leaf extract is already a valuable ingredient in anti-aging formulas: it has properties that stimulate collagen and elastin, preventing wrinkle formation, its role being that of matrix metalloproteinases blocker.

How much and how should we consume blackberries to take advantage of all of the benefits listed above? According to nutritionists, a daily cup or two of mixed or alternative berries may be enough to see a change soon. There are dozens of recipes wherein you can add blackberries – smoothies, tarts, and even salads, to be enjoyed with a glass of wine.

And while we’re on the topic of “indulgence”, blackberries can make an exceptional wine, and not just because of its refined taste. A study published in the Journal of Food Science showed that blackberry wines contain high levels of resveratrol – a vegetable compound that acts as a powerful antioxidant and favors the body’s natural detoxification process. These effects can be seen both on the inside and on the outside, on our skin.

 

You can find here a recipe for delicious blackberry muffins.