Not only do blackberries pack a powerful nutritional punch, they are also low in calories, carbohydrates, and fat, making blackberries one of the most beneficial fruits to include in a balanced diet.

Blackberries rank highly among fruits for antioxidant strength, particularly due to their dense contents of polyphenolic compounds, such as ellagic acid, tannins, ellagitannins, quercetin, gallic acid, anthocyanins and cyanidins. Blackberries have an ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of 5347 per 100 grams, including them among the top-ranked ORAC fruits. Another report using a different assay for assessing antioxidant strength placed blackberry at the top of more than 1000 antioxidant foods consumed in the United States.

Just so you don't get confused (and it's easy to) blackberries are not the same as black raspberries. They altogether taste different and blackberries have a solid center, whereas raspberries are hollow when picked. Blackberries contain numerous large seeds that are not always preferred by consumers. The seeds contain some oil which is rich in omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and -6 fats (linoleic acid), as well as some protein, dietary fiber, carotenoids, ellagitannins and ellagic acid. Our raw freeze dried blackberry powder contains the entire fruit and seed so you get all the nutrition this amazing fruit has to offer.

Their flavor is one of the greatest reasons to eat blackberries. Beyond this rich flavor, blackberries, like all berries, are nutrition all-stars. A handful of these delicious berries provides a powerful team of nutrients including vitamin C, folate, potassium, manganese, and magnesium. To top it off, one cup or handful of blackberries supplies 8 grams of fiber, including cholesterol-lowering pectin. The fiber rich seeds contain high levels of ellagic acid, a potent antioxidant that battles cancer in many different ways. Blackberries with their high fiber content reduce the risk of developing diabetes and intestinal disease such as diverticulosis, as well as fight against obesity. The deep blue and purple colors of blackberries top the charts as the leading disease fighting pigment. Foods rich in this brilliant blue color, the anthocyannin pigment, quench more free radicals in the body than any other food, protecting against all disease. Additional antioxidants in blackberries are vitamins C and E, and ellagic acid; all may provide protection against cancer and chronic disease. Cooking does not seem to destroy ellagic acid, so even blackberry jams and desserts retain ellagic acid health benefits. Interestingly, blackberries are a natural source of salicylate, an active substance found in aspirin. Potential benefits have yet to be explored and some experts advise caution to particularly aspirin-sensitive individuals. Because of their many tiny seeds, blackberries are a source of soluble fiber, such as pectin.

We have all heard about the importance of antioxidants in forestalling the aging process. Just as your metal saw left in the elements rusts due to oxidation, your body deteriorates due to the effects of oxidation. Antioxidants fight the process of aging by fighting off the diseases associated with old age. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which can damage DNA molecules and lead to cancer. They also counteract environmental carcinogens, protect against cardiovascular disease, fight sun damage to skin and may thwart the effects of Alzheimer's and other age related disorders. Blackberries are among the top ten foods containing the highest antioxidant levels.

Berries have recently been pinpointed as a leading source of compounds thought to produce health benefits for women, due to their high concentrations of phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens, literally "plant estrogens", have been of interest to the scientific community because of their possible roll in prevention of both breast and cervical cancer. Studies now indicate that berries may contain some of the highest levels of phytoestrogens. These compounds act as a natural form of estrogen. During studies at the University of Helsinki in Finland, scientists measured eight different berries for their phytoestrogen level, and concluded that blackberries had the highest level of phytoestrogens followed by strawberries.

Blackberries are considered to be an astringent because of their high tannin content. Studies show that tannins tighten tissue, lesson minor bleeding, and may help to alleviate diarrhea and intestinal inflammation. German health authorities recommend blackberries for mild infections including sore throats and mouth irritations. Traditionally, blackberries have been used to alleviate hemorrhoids because of their rich tannin content.

Some possible benefits of our raw freeze dried Blackberry powder may include:

● High concentrations of phytoestrogens - natural plant estrogens that act as a natural form of estrogen
● One of the few fruits that contain heart-protective vitamin E
● Strengthening blood vessels
● Can be applied externally for the treatment of wounds
● Source of soluble fiber, such as pectin
● Good natural source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, manganese, & magnesium
● High in tannin which tightens tissue, lesson minor bleeding, alleviates hemorrhoids, & may help to alleviate intestinal inflammation
● Natural source of salicylate, an active substance found in aspirin
● Protecting eyesight
● High in polyphenolic compounds including tannins, quercetin, carotenoids, ellagitannins, gallic acid, anthocyanins & cyanidins
● Reducing heart disease risk
● Good natural source of ellagic acid
● Helpful in alleviating watery diarrhea, weak stomachs, inflamed throat, & laryngitis
● Reducing mild infections including sore throats & mouth irritations

Suggested Use: Mix 2 teaspoons with juice, yogurt, or add to your favorite smoothie or recipes.

Botanical Name: Rubus Ulmifolius

Other Names: Scaldhead, Himalayan blackberry, Himalayaberry, caneberries, brambles

Origin: Chile

Z Natural Foods strives to offer the highest quality organically grown, raw, vegan, gluten free, non-GMO products available and exclusively uses low temperature drying techniques to preserve all the vital enzymes and nutrients. Our freeze dried raw Blackberry powder passes our strict quality assurance which includes testing for botanical identity, heavy metals, chemicals and microbiological contaminants. ZNaturalFoods.com offers raw freeze dried Blackberry powder packaged in airtight stand-up, resealable foil pouches for optimum freshness. Once opened, just push the air out of the pouch before resealing it in order to preserve maximum potency. Keep your freeze dried raw Blackberry powder in a cool, dark, dry place.