Blackberry

Blackberry - A Potent Antioxidant Fruit

Blackberry is a delicious fruit that is loaded with beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. As an ingredient in health supplements, blackberry delivers a variety of evidence-based health benefits. Keep reading to learn all about using blackberry supplements.

What is Blackberry?

Blackberry is a fruit that grows on brambles, which are prickly shrubs with blackberry fruits. There are many different species of blackberries, but the most commonly cultivated is the European blackberry, known scientifically as Rubus fruticosus.

The blackberry fruit is actually an aggregate fruit made up of many individual drupelets around a central core. Each drupelet contains a seed. Blackberries have a deep purple-black colour when ripe, and a sweet, tart flavour enjoyed by many.

Blackberry Nutrition Facts

Blackberries are highly nutritious, and packed with fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Some of the key nutrients found in blackberries include:

• Dietary fibre - helps promote healthy digestion
• Vitamin C - immune supportive antioxidant
• Vitamin K - supports bone and heart health
• Manganese - aids enzyme function and metabolism
• Vitamin E - an antioxidant that protects cells
• Magnesium - is involved in over 300 bodily processes

Blackberries also contain polyphenol antioxidants called anthocyanins which give them their dark purple hue. Anthocyanins have anti-inflammatory effects in the body.

Health Benefits of Blackberries

Regularly eating blackberries, whether fresh or in supplements, provides many impressive health benefits. Here are some of the top researched ways blackberries can boost wellbeing:

Supports Heart Health

Blackberry intake is linked with improved cardiovascular function. The anthocyanins and other anti-inflammatory compounds help relax blood vessels and decrease risk factors leading to heart disease. Taking blackberry supplements may also lower blood pressure levels.

Aids Digestion

With high fibre content, blackberries promote ‘good’ bacteria levels and healthy movement through the digestive tract. This makes them beneficial for improving conditions like constipation, bloating and cramping. The antioxidants in blackberries also soothe inflammation related to certain digestive issues.

Regulates Blood Sugar

Despite their sweetness, blackberries actually help regulate healthy blood sugar levels thanks to their fibre and polyphenols. These compounds slow the digestion and absorption of sugars, preventing unhealthy blood sugar spikes. As such blackberries may benefit people with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.

Boosts Immunity

Blackberries provide immune-supportive vitamin C and polyphenols that have antibacterial effects. Regularly consuming blackberries is connected with fewer colds and flu’s, as well as faster recovery when unwell. The antioxidants protect the body against illness and cell damage.

Supports Brain Function

The anthocyanins in blackberries activate signalling pathways involved in memory, learning and cognition. Blackberry intake is associated with faster information processing, improved memory and focus, and protection against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's or dementia.

Blackberry Supplement Forms

There are a few main forms that blackberry supplements come in:

• Blackberry fruit powder - Dried and ground whole blackberries. Offers full spectrum nutrition.
• Blackberry extract - Concentrated anthocyanins and polyphenols. Standardized for potency.
• Blackberry leaf supplements - Dried blackberry leaves used in folk medicine. Contains tannins.

The fruit powder offers dietary nourishment, while the extracts provide targeted health-promoting compounds. Leaf supplements capture different active ingredients. Products may combine the berry fruit/extract with the leaves for dual benefits.

Blackberry Supplement Benefits

Taking blackberry fruit, leaf or extract supplements provides concentrated nutrition without excess sugars found in fresh berries. Supplements make it easier to get optimal, consistent dosing as well.

Some of the advantages of blackberry supplements include:

• Convenient source of polyphenols
• Supports cardiovascular function
• Promotes healthy digestion
• Helps maintain normal blood sugar
• Boosts cognition and focus
• Enhances immunity
• Antioxidant protection

High quality blackberry supplements made from pure ingredients can provide all the benefits mentioned earlier alongside other potential perks. Always check with a health practitioner about using blackberry supplements for your individual needs.

Blackberry Dosage Guidelines

Most blackberry supplements provide dosing directions on their label. However, here are some general dosage guidelines to follow:

• Blackberry fruit powder - 1000-2000mg per day
• Blackberry leaf powder - 400-1200mg per day
• Blackberry extract - 250-500mg standardized to 25-50% anthocyanins

Start on the lower end of the ranges and work upwards based on your individual tolerance and needs. It’s best to take blackberry supplements with food to enhance absorption. Most are safe to use daily for extended periods of time, though cycling breaks every couple months can prevent tolerance issues.

Are Blackberry Supplements Safe?

For most healthy adults, blackberry fruit, leaf or extract supplements appear very safe when used appropriately. Side effects are rare, but may include mild digestive distress, dizziness or headaches in sensitive individuals.

However, the following groups of people should exercise more caution with blackberry supplements:

• Pregnant/nursing women - Not enough safety research. Avoid or ask your doctor.
• Children under 18 - More research needed for youth safety/dosing.
• Diabetics - May interfere with blood sugar control. Monitor levels.
• Those on medications - Potential interactions with prescriptions. See your doctor first.
• Anyone with medical conditions - Check with your healthcare provider before using supplements.

To avoid complications speak to your doctor before taking blackberry supplements if any of the above situations apply. And always follow label directions carefully.

Common Blackberry Supplement Questions

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about blackberry health supplements:

Are blackberry supplements as good as whole blackberries? While fresh blackberries are an optimal source of nutrition, quality supplements can provide similar benefits in convenient forms without excess sugars or needing refrigeration. Well-made supplements offer standardized nutrition profiles.

When is the best time to take Blackberry supplements? You can take blackberry supplements any time of day. However, taking them with food maximizes nutrient absorption. Some people find taking the capsules along with breakfast or lunch is helpful to maintain consistent daily use as well.

Can I take Blackberry supplements long-term? Unless you experience side effects, most Blackberry supplements are designed and tested for long-term use. Taking regular breaks every couple months allows your body to reset tolerance and enhances effectiveness long term. Check with your doctor before beginning lifelong supplementation.

Are blackberry leaf supplements as beneficial as the berry? Blackberry leaves offer unique health benefits - especially for digestion - but contain different bioactive compounds than the berries which are exceptional antioxidants. Many supplements combine both berry and leaf for dual benefits. Check labels for contents.

Should Blackberry supplements be refrigerated?
No - unlike fresh blackberries which spoil fast at room temp, shelf-stable blackberry powders, capsules and tablets do not require refrigeration. Simply store in a cool dark place and use before expiration dates for best quality.