Blackberries: Nutritious and Delicious

When I was a child I used to wander the woods picking blackberries for my grandmother to turn into heavenly pies, cobblers, and jam. I would pick those wonderful sweet little berries with visions of wonderful desserts that my grandmother would turn them into. Of course, I ate as many as I delivered to her. My arms would have rivers of stains running up them and my face would inevitably be covered in the juices. Who knew these delicious little pieces of fruit were so healthy?

Blackberries are a wonderfully versatile fruit. Not only are they delicious and good for you, they also can be used in an amazing amount of ways. Blackberries are abundant with healthy qualities. For one thing, they contain antioxidants that help prevent cancer.

They are full of Anthocyanins which are linked to improved vision, cardiovascular health, memory retention in old age and a reduced risk of hypertension. They contain high dietary fiber, minerals, potassium, protein, hearth healthy polyunsaturated fats,Vitamins A and C. I really like the fact that they are so full of dietary fiber. It makes them a superb diet food. Imagine that.

Blackberries are the perfect additive in many different types of recipes and foods. They are regularly used in juice, jellies, jams, pies, muffins, pancakes, salads and many other types of dishes. I have included 3 healthy, low-fat, low-calorie recipes to help get you started on the road to a healthy diet that includes blackberries.

1. Blackberries neutralize free radicals which can affect disease and aging.

2. They aid in the reduction of belly fat, lower cholesterol and triglycerides.

3. They can prevent and even heal some brain disorders by restoring the health of the central nervous system.

4. They have been proven to preserve vision. They are high in the compound anthocyanosides which has been found to slow down loss of vision.

5. The high fiber content of blackberries and their ability to dissolve bad cholesterol make them a useful supplement to help heath diseases.

6. They contain acids that combined with Vitamin C, and copper work miracles with preventing certain cancers such as colon and liver cancer.

7. The high fiber content in blackberries help with digestion and help keep away constipation.

8. They also help promote urinary health by preventing the growth of bacteria along the lining of the inner walls of the urinary tract.

9. They also help keep you fit, active and in a good mood.

10. They also improve glucose and insulin sensitivity.

Ingredients:

2 cups blackberries

1 cup blueberries

1 cup strawberries

1 cup flaked coconut

1 8 oz jar marashino cherries

1 16 oz container low fat, low sugar whipped cream.

Directions:

Combine all berries in a large bowl and srpinkle with sugar substitute. Cover and refridgerate for 1 hour.

Combine with the rest of the ingredients, cover and refridgerate. Enjoy

For this recipe you can use either frozen or fresh berries.

 Ingredients:

1/2 cup low fat milk

1/4 cup or equivilant sugar substitute

1/2 cup non-fat sour cream

2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries

2 3oz pkg sugsr free blackberry gelatin

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 cup boiling water

16 oz container low fat, low sugar whipped cream

Directions:

Combine milk, sugar and vanilla in saucepan over medium heat.  Stir until sugar is completely dissolved.  Remove from heat, seet aside and cool to room temperature. 

Add sour cream and whip until smooth.

In medium size saucepan boil 1 cup of water and add gelatin, salt, and lemon juice stirring until gelatin is dissolved.  Set aside to cool.

Combine sour cream mixture, gelatin mixture and blackberries.  Fold in whipped cream.

 

Ingredients:

2 cups blackberries

2 tsp or equivalent sugar substitute

1 cup raspberries

1 cup strawberries

1 cup blueberries

1 cup coconut

1 cup nuts, your choice

Directions:

In large bowl combine all ingredients, mix well and let set for a couple of hours. Enjoy.

If you wish to have a blackberry sauce for the top blend a cup of blackberries, 2 tsp sugar substitute and 1/4 cup of orange juice.

Pour topping over fruit and add a tbsp. of sugar free fat free whipped cream.