For example, an extract of fresh blackberry was found to exhibit tumor-preventive effects on a line of human lung cell cancer. (2) The high levels of oxidative stress that cause the proliferation (growth) of cancer cells are blocked by the anthocyanins found in blackberries. In regard to lung cancer, there has been at least one study demonstrating the effectiveness of cyanidin-3-glucoside, a specific anthocyanin found in blackberries, on the growth of cancerous lung tumors. (3)
In general, blackberries are known to help prevent some of the cell mutation that leads to cancer in the first place. While the cause of cancer is complex and different for every person, the mutation of DNA and healthy cells in particular is what seems to lead to the growth of this disease, so eating antioxidant-rich foods, such as blackberries, helps suppress this mutation. (4)
A study from UCLA in 2006 investigated the effects of six different berry varieties, including the blackberry, on the growth of oral, breast, colon and prostate cancers. Each of the six berry extracts prohibited cancer growth to some degree, urging researchers to continue looking into the impact these berries can have in treating cancer. (5)
Vitamin K may also be a factor in the anti-cancer properties of blackberries. One serving of blackberries has over a third of the daily recommended value of vitamin K, which plays a part in helping prevent and fight prostate, colon, stomach, nasal, oral and liver cancers.
- Improve and Maintain Brain Function
The incredible nutrient load of blackberries makes them a remarkable candidate for peak mental health. Preliminary studies focused on motor skills and short-term memory retention find that blackberries have great potential in increasing brain performance, like many other berries high in antioxidants, which is why berries are among some of the top brain foods. Short-term memory seems most drastically improved by a consistent diet of blackberries, according to certain reports. (6)
Manganese is one nutrient present in high levels in blackberries that’s vital to brain functioning. A notable percentage of manganese in your body is found in the synapses of your brain. Because of the importance of manganese transmission in the brain, a manganese deficiency is linked to brain conditions like epilepsy. (7) It’s crucial to get the proper amount of manganese in your diet in order to keep your synapses firing correctly.
It also seems that blackberries and extracted compounds from them have the ability to protect brain cells from degeneration. Once again, this is attributed to increased polyphenol concentration in the blood. Interestingly, one particular study on this function of blackberries noted that commercial varieties of blackberries had no effect whatsoever, while wild-grown berries showed significant protective ability. (8)
- Fight Infection and Boost Immunity
Because of the antioxidants touted as one of the major health benefits of blackberries, this should be one of the main foods you consume regularly to protect your body from oxidative stress and chronic inflammation responsible for a massive number of diseases.
Inflammation is at the root of most diseases. The natural process of inflammation is part of the body’s defense against harmful cells, but the Western diet is especially prone to encouraging chronic, disease-causing inflammation. Blackberries naturally cause a reduction in inflammation and allow your body’s processes to happen as they should, rather than on overdrive. (9, 10)
An example of the blackberry’s ability to fight inflammation is in its protection against stomach ulcers. One study found an 88 percent reduction in the stomach ulcers of subjects given extracted ellagitannins (a type of antioxidant) from blackberries, due to the reduced inflammation of the mucosal lining of the stomach, as well as a drop in the oxidative stress that was also partially responsible for the ulcers. (11)
Blackberries fight inflammation, they also help curb the free radical damage caused by oxidative stress within your body. (12)
This damage occurs when the uncharged molecules (free radicals) that are responsible for aging and immune system function are overproduced due to exposure to the sun, too many processed foods or medication use. You can fight oxidative stress with antioxidants like those found in blackberries and other berries (and a ton of other amazing foods), slowing the onset or development of disease and premature aging.
Blackberries also show antibacterial activity, another function by which they protect your body from disease. They can reduce the impact of oral infections by targeting infected cells while leaving other cells untouched, making them a potentially powerful agent to treat infection. (13)
- Regulate Menstrual Health
If you struggle with painful symptoms of PMS, one solution might be to introduce more blackberries into your diet. The presence of vitamin K helps regulate hormone function and thereby potentially reduces cramping pains. As a blood-clotting vitamin, it can also help with excessive bleeding and give some pain relief during heavy menstrual cycles.
Another way to alleviate mental and physical PMS symptoms is by consuming foods high in manganese and calcium, both of which are contained in blackberries. (14)
- Good for the Cardiovascular System
The vitamin K in blackberries is important for the health of your entire cardiovascular system. Vitamin K serves to stop the hardening of arteries by carrying calcium out of them and preventing buildup that can lead to serious diseases.
Healthy consumption of vitamin K is also linked to healthy blood pressure levels, reduced inflammation in cells that line blood vessels (both veins and arteries) as well as a lower chance of heart attack.
In addition, another function of the anthocyanins (remember the polyphenol antioxidant that is so effective against cancer?) in blackberries is their protective effects against endothelial dysfunction and heart failure. Endothelial dysfunction is a mouthful that describes a condition of the blood vessels around the heart where they’re constantly restricting and then dilating. It’s related to various forms of heart disease and associated with a high risk of heart failure or attack.
However, one special anthocyanin, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, found in blackberries, seems to do a great deal in protecting these blood vessels and may be able to significantly reduce the occurrence of this dysfunction — and, hopefully, delay or stop the onset of the related cardiovascular diseases. (15)
- Promote Healthy Skin
Sometimes, the health benefits of blackberries reach skin-deep, and that’s no joke. An extract of the blackberry fruit generally protects the skin from UVB damage through antioxidant activity. (16)
It also protects the keratinocytes in your skin from UV damage, which are the cells that form a protective layer on your epidermis and then reproduce below the outer layer of skin to continually replenish the epidermis. Once again, the heroes of this story are the anthocyanins in blackberries. (17)
The vitamin C found in blackberry nutrition also helps keep skin healthy and strong. It promotes collagen production, decreases the instance of dry skin and may even prevent premature aging of the skin.
Skin health isn’t all about preventing wrinkles, though. The nutrients in blackberries also have an antiviral effect on infections affecting the skin, specifically the herpes virus
responsible for cold sores. (18)
