The Health Benefits Of Blackberry Syrup, Especially For Your Cough and Cold
Medicines these days are full of additives and dyes that aren’t helpful at all. If you happen to get sick you can be bedridden for days and it is very stressful indeed. Depending on whether you have the flu or a cold the medications aren’t that effective in shortening them. However, nowadays, people prefer to use traditional and natural remedies to treat their illnesses and conditions, instead of popping a pill. For example, the health benefits of blackberry syrup can be used to treat common colds and coughs.
There are certain recipes which you can use to prepare blackberry syrup to cure your cough, cold, and common flu symptoms like weakness and fever. Research has even revealed that it can shorten the duration of your cold and will help you recover faster.
Why eat blackberries
While the specific history of blackberries having health benefits is still unclear, there are some texts, which support the medicinal use of these berries dating back to the Greeks. It was the Greeks who used blackberries to treat gout. It was used by Romans to brew tea for remedying various illnesses. Native Americans used it to cure stomach ailments.
As it turns out, blackberries provide a variety of health benefits that have even been well documented by science. In fact, modern natural medicines contain blackberries in their ingredients as well. The entire blackberry plant from the root to the leaves can be used, since each part contains various medicinal properties and are filled with antioxidants. The health benefits of blackberry syrup which are known to aid and help with illnesses, including cancer, have already been documented. Here are some such benefits:
1. Blackberries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants
Blackberries contain the most vitamins- vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, along with calcium, potassium, and magnesium. It contains the antioxidants like anthocyanins as well. Vitamins are vital for anyone’s health and diet. You can get half of your recommended daily dose of vitamin C from a single cup of blackberries. As we all know vitamin C is crucial for the body as it helps in absorbing iron, shortening the duration of colds, healing wounds, and preventing scurvy. It even acts as an antioxidant which eliminates free radicals from the body.
Vitamin A improves eye health, skin health, teeth health, promotes bone growth and immune system functioning. Vitamin K is essential for bone health as well, and helps in clotting of your blood.
2. They are known to improve brain health
There is a high concentration of polyphenols in blackberries which according to studies can help in boosting cognitive skills. These polyphenols are antioxidants which fight against free radicals and reduce brain inflammation and memory loss which is a common symptom of aging.
3. They can reduce inflammation
Besides reducing inflammation in the brain, studies have also shown that blackberries can help treat other inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. So, just enjoy a nice spoon-full of blackberry syrup to reduce any inflammation within your body.
4. They help in treating stomach issues
A study conducted on people suffering from stomach ulcers, found that they were getting better after they consumed blackberries or blackberry syrup. The medicinal properties of blackberry syrup reduced the size of their ulcers by 88%.
5. Blackberries contain a high concentration of phytoestrogens
According to research, blackberries have proven to be beneficial for women. This is because they are a good source of phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are basically plant estrogens and as per recent studies these can help in preventing both cervical cancer as well as breast cancer in women.
6. Blood sugar levels can be reduced by consuming blackberries
Blackberries contain manganese which is a mineral that helps in keeping the immune system healthy and developing bones. It is even responsible for forming collagen, preventing osteoporosis, metabolizing cholesterol, and reducing blood sugar levels. The polyphenols present in blackberries lower the risk of diabetes and improve insulin sensitivity.
7. Blackberries are a natural remedy for treating the common cold
Your immune system requires both vitamins and antioxidants to function properly. In fact, your cold and other symptoms can be shortened and relieved faster. Among the various health benefits provided by blackberries this is the most effective remedy. Most of the vitamins that have been proven to be effective in shortening cough and colds are found in blackberries.
8. Blackberries are rich in tannin
Blackberries have high tannin content. Tannin helps in tightening up tissues, lessening bleeding, reducing diarrhea and hemorrhoids. Germans often use blackberries as an astringent and even recommend them for irritations of the mouth. Blackberry syrup can also be used to treat sore throats which result from infections or coughing.
9. Blackberries are a good source of fiber
Many people fail to get their daily requirement of fiber because of their low fiber and high protein diets. These diets are also responsible for causing health issues like stomach pains and constipation. It can later result in more severe health issues such as an increased risk of heart disease.
Diets which are high in fiber content will also help you lose weight as they lower your blood sugar and cholesterol by providing healthy gut bacteria. High fiber diets can surprisingly ease depression as well.
10. Blackberry syrup prevent cancer and heart disease
There is a link between cancer and heart disease, and a poor diet among various other factors. As per studies, the risk of heart disease can be lowered by some specific extracts found in blackberry juice.
The health benefits of blackberry syrup can prevent the growth and spread of tumors and therefore, preventing cancer. It may not very well be a definite cure-all, it nevertheless has promising results. But, more research on this subject is still required.
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