Blackberries - Top 10 in Antioxidant Capacity

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Cole_Tanner]Cole Tanner

As delicious as blackberries are -- they offer much more value than just a sweet summer treat. Research has shown that blackberries are low in calories, low on the glycemic index, are an excellent source of fiber, are chock full of vitamins B, C, and E, minerals, and ellagic acid (thought to be a potent cancer fighter), as well as antioxidants.

In fact, according to the USDA, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries all rank in the top 10 for antioxidant capacity in more than 100 common foods. And, research published in the July 2006 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition ranked blackberries as far and away the most antioxidant-rich food based on a typical single serving out of more than 1,000 food types tested.

Many of the most potent antioxidants in blackberries are named anthocyanins, which are responsible for the purplish-black color in both blackberries and blueberries and have been shown to fight everything from heart disease and cancer to memory loss.

About one cup of blackberries will provide the approximately 75 calories, one gram of protein,.06 grams of fat, 18 grams of carbs, and about 7.6 grams of fibre.

So, whether you pick them yourself at a berry farm, grab some at your local produce market, or buy them fresh or frozen at the grocery store, blackberries make a healthy snack. And they're easy to enjoy, just add them to your cereal, make a cobbler, or top off your salad, ice cream or smoothie with them. Or, make a blackberry margarita.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Blackberries---Top-10-in-Antioxidant-Capacity&id=3407044] Blackberries - Top 10 in Antioxidant Capacity