Thursday, April 1, 2010

Fresh Blackberries



Blackberries

In the 'best antioxidants' league table, blackberries are right up there. In fact they are probably in the top ten. 

As we know, antioxidants are fighters of free radicals. 





We are told that a good method to identify an antioxidant-rich fruit or vegetable is by it's dense and dark colors, well just study a blackberry, it passes that test..hands down. Blackberries are also rich in manganese and vitamin C. It is important to have adequate vitamin C as a lack of it can weaken our immune system,which in turn can make you stressed and run down. Other good sources of manganese and vitamin C are strawberries and raspberries.

Fresh Blackberries, Cream & Saigon Cinnamon

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Besides using it in cooking, cinnamon is also thought to have health benefits.  Recent studies have found that cinnamon may have a beneficial effect on blood sugar. One of the first human studies was published in 2003 in a medical journal called Diabetes Care. Sixty people with type 2 diabetes took 1, 3, or 6 grams of cinnamon in pill form daily, an amount roughly equivalent to one quarter of a teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. After 40 days, all 3 amounts of cinnamon reduced fasting blood glucose by 18 to 29%, triglycerides by 23 to 30%, LDL cholesterol by 7 to 27%, and total cholesterol by 12 to 26%.

Whole Wheat Tart filled with  Protein Pudding, topped with Blackberries Red Raspberries & Blueberries


6 comments:

Ed Schenk said...

One of my fondest memories is picking wild blackberries in our "secret" patch in the wood!

Vanessa said...

I love your nutrition post. We can all certainly improve our diets!

TheFitnessFreak said...

I love it when berries truly come into season. I can't wait for the big berry season to start! I could eat them all day : )

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

I eat it everyday, but I forgot why... I am not kidding, thanks!

Desiree Marini said...

WOW! A work of art! I need the recipe!

Sunshine Mama said...

That looks so good!