Blackberries are awesome already, but researchers in Florida are working on boosting their health benefits even more.
Blackberries ripen in April, May and June in Florida, and researchers say they have found metabolites that may boost antioxidant contents and anti-inflammatory properties of the berries.
The study, published online by the National Library of Medicine, suggests that blackberry metabolites, such as quercitrin, luteolin and cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, may exert therapeutic effects by modulating specific genes and pathways associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses.
“This research is promising not only for plant breeders but also for those interested in harnessing the health-promoting properties of blackberries,” the study’s authors said.
The study found that Kiowa variety blackberries showed the highest ability to protect cells from damage and to fight inflammation. University of Florida researchers plan to that variety as they breed blackberries for Florida, according to the university.
