Recipes: Blackberries – Brain Power

Nutritional Information

• Blackberries are rich in antioxidants which help keep toxins out of the body. Due their abundance in polyphenols (type of antioxidant) they are reputed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is at the heart of many chronic conditions and premature aging in the body. Studies from European Journal of Nutrition and Nutritional Neuroscience Journal showed benefits from 8 weeks of consuming blackberries with improved cognitive and motor functions and neuroprotective benefits.[i] It is thought these benefits are due to a high polyphenol and manganese content. Manganese is a trace mineral that is essential to the functioning of the brain. Blackberries also contain anthocyanin like many other purple colour foods including blueberries, cherries and red cabbage. Anthocyanin has been positively linked to increased longevity, cardiovascular health and dementia.
• Other optional ingredients in this smoothie such a super green spirulina (if you don’t mind the darker colour) also work in tandem with blackberries for its natural GLA content and high chlorophyll content which further adds anti-inflammatory properties. GLA is an essential fatty acid (EFA) that is shown to lift mood. When combined with Vit C (blackberries are rich in vitamin c) they provide benefits for short term memory and Alzheimer disease.
• Don’t Miss Out on Blackberry Picking!!
• Studies have shown that berries picked wild versus cultivated ones are much higher in antioxidants and precious healing phytonutrients. The difference can be from as much as 25% – 80% according to one study.[ii]