08/18/2017 / By Frances Bloomfield
Blackberry juice is the sweet extract derived from the blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) fruit, a deep purple- to blue-black-colored edible fruit belonging to the Rubus genus. Blackberries are highly nutritious fruits that have been consumed for their health benefits for thousands of years, and blackberry juice is no different. In Europe, blackberry juice was used as a treatment for eye and mouth infections, while Native American tribes drank it to aid them with digestion. Nowadays, there’s a lot more to be gained from ingesting this rich-colored fruit juice.
Blackberry juice contains nearly all of the nutrients that blackberry fruits provide, most notably:
Blackberry juice is an excellent source of manganese, copper, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, pectin, and anthocyanins. Consuming a single serving of blackberry juice daily is enough to contribute greatly towards the recommended daily intake of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as copper and manganese.
Moreover, the colors of the blackberry fruit and juice can be attributed to the presence of anthocyanins, which are naturally occurring pigments that have since become more known for their role as antioxidants. This is in addition to the vitamins A and E content, both of which are considered to be antioxidant-acting vitamins.
Individuals who suffer from gout have the most to gain from drinking blackberry juice. Gout is classified as a form of arthritis due to its symptoms which include feet and hand joint inflammation. This condition arises from the crystallization of uric acid particles in the joints. Blackberry juice is said to alleviate the symptoms of gout thanks to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of anthocyanins. In addition, blackberry juice is believed to be good for arthritis overall because of its impact on inflammation.
According to WhyWeJuice.com, a number of the minerals and vitamins in blackberry juice can help lower cholesterol to a normal level. These include calcium, potassium, vitamin E, phosphorus, and selenium.
The decent vitamin A content in blackberry juice means it can help prevent eye-related disorders like cataracts and macular degeneration.
Copper and vitamin C, two nutrients that are abundant in blackberries and blackberry juice, can help keep bones and skin healthy and strong. Vitamin K plays an important role in maintaining bone health as well.
Vitamin C can boost the immune system, especially when paired up with vitamin A.
Blackberry juice can be consumed as is, though fresh blackberry juice is still preferable over store-bought juice due to the possible addition of preservatives or sweeteners.
To make fresh blackberry juice, simply rinse a few cups of blackberries before tossing the fruits into a blender. Feel free to run the liquid through a strainer to remove pulp if desired. Pour the blackberry juice into a pitcher, refrigerate for an hour, then serve. For this, firm and shiny blackberries work best.
Blackberries pair well with kiwis, apples, and cucumbers, so combining any or all of these fruits with blackberry juice will yield a delicious and healthy juice drink.
Note that blackberries have a short shelf life and will perish in the span of a few days. Blackberries freeze well, however, and frozen blackberries will keep for six months.
Frequent consumption of blackberry juice can provide a number of health benefits. Blackberry juice can reduce the symptoms of gout, arthritis, and high cholesterol. In addition, blackberry juice can support the immune system, bones, and skin.
Sources include:
TheJuiceNut.com
LiveHealthy.Chron.com
DietHealthClub.com
WhyWeJuice.com
TheSpruce.com
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