6 health benefits of boysenberries

The boysenberry is a superfood that has many health benefits. According to several studies, boysenberries are linked to improved brain and lung health. The fruit can also help boost your digestion and immunity.

Listed below are the six health benefits of boysenberries.

They boost brain health.

Boysenberries can boost brain health because they contain anthocyanin, a flavonoid with antioxidant effects that can help boost memory. Anthocyanins can also prevent oxidative damage. Additionally, they can lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.

They boost your immunity and fight cancer.

Boysenberries are anti-inflammatory and can help boost your immunity and prevent different types of cancer, such as malignant esophageal and colorectal tumors. The berries also have vitamin C that can help fight off infections and eliminate cancer-causing free radicals.

They help regulate blood pressure and triglyceride levels.

Boysenberries can improve heart health since they have the antioxidant vitamin C. The berries also have a good potassium-sodium ratio.

A cup of boysenberries contains 183 milligrams (mg) of potassium, which can help balance out the negative effects of salt. This then helps reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

According to a 2014 study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, the polyphenolic compounds of boysenberry juice can help reduce nitric oxide concentration through the “aortic endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation in hypertensive rats.” In short, boysenberry could be beneficial for heart health, and it may help lower blood pressure. (Related: Japanese study concludes that boysenberries help maintain vascular stability.)

In a separate 2015 study, researchers determined that the polyphenols in boysenberry juice helped inhibit plasma triglyceride absorption levels in rats.

They improve lung health.

Lung fibrosis can negatively affect the lung function of individuals with chronic asthma. In a 2016 study, scientists determined that eating boysenberries can support the development of fibrolytic lung macrophages with the airway capacity to promote balanced lung repair. The study findings also suggest that regularly consuming boysenberries can help limit lung damage in people with chronic asthma and other pulmonary diseases.

They reduce the risk of seizures in individuals with epilepsy.

A cup of boysenberries has 0.72 mg of manganese, which provides at least 36 percent of your recommended daily intake. Some studies suggest that individuals who have seizures also have lower manganese levels.

They improve digestion.

Boysenberries can help digestive issues such as constipation since berries contain fiber that can promote regular bowel movements.

The nutritional profile of boysenberries

Boysenberries, which are related to blackberries, are bluish purple-colored, juicy berries. The tangy, tart berries can be eaten on their own, but they can also be used to make:

• Curries
• Fruit salsa
• Jams
• Jellies
• Salads
• Sauces
• Smoothies
• Syrups

Boysenberries have a unique juicy, rich, sweet, and tart flavor. When buying boysenberries, look for fresh berries that aren’t bruised at farmers markets. Reddish, under-ripe boysenberries are very tart, so look for sweeter darker-colored berries.

Boysenberries are full of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and some protein. These berries contain Vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, E, and K.

Boysenberries also contain:

• Calcium
• Choline
• Copper
• Fiber
• Folate
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Selenium
• Zinc

The vitamin K in boysenberries can help prevent kidney stones. It can also boost bone strength, which can lower your risk of osteoporosis. Boysenberries contain vitamins A and C that can help address or prevent vision-related disorders.

Add nutrient-rich boysenberries to your regular diet if you want to boost your brain and lung health.

Sources include:

FoodsForBetterHealth.com

FruitsAndVeggiesMoreMatters.org