Also known as Black Haw, or Fingerberry, Blackberries are important in treating and preventing disorders of the Immune system, the Digestive System, the Heart and Circulatory System and the Nerves. The high levels of antioxidants make berries very useful in prevention of cancer.
Blackberries are useful in treating skin problems, diarrhoea and dysentery, and gum or mouth problems such as gingivitis or sore throats.
All berries are important for their vitamins, pectin and fruit sugars. Blackberries are high in vitamins C and E, and pectin (soluble fibre), and also contain potassium and carotenoids in useful quantities. The fruit sugars they contain are easily digested and the acidic quality of the fruit means that the minerals are easily absorbed into the body.
The total antioxidant activity of a food is tested using a measure called the ORAC scale. To counteract the harmful oxidising effects of everything the average person eats, drinks and breathes in a day, around 1650 ORAC units are required in the food and drink consumed daily. Scientists believe that over 80% of the World's population actually fails to get more than 800 ORAC units per day, leaving the body open to damage by oxidation, which can ultimately lead to heart, liver, digestion and kidney diseases and most importantly cancer. Blackberries contain around 2040 ORAC units.
Nutrients
The tannin contained in the leaves has an antiseptic quality that makes it useful as a mouthwash or poultice.