Blackberries have been described as “one of the healthiest foods you can eat” by Dr Clare Mosley, wife of the late health expert Dr Michael Mosley. The fruit, available in most supermarkets, could help people manage conditions such as diabetes, lower the risk of dementia and reduce high cholesterol and blood pressure.
Mosley family highlights the berry's benefits
In a recent Instagram video, Dr Jack Mosley, Dr Michael Mosley's son, said his late father enjoyed “collecting them as a child” and “loved” them too. In the video, Dr Clare Mosley picked blackberries from a bush as Dr Jack Mosley explained their health benefits.
He said: “They have eight grams of fibre in a cup, it's anti-inflammatory, it's great for your heart and your brain. It is of course the humble blackberry.”
“Here's what's really interesting - that deep purple colour is a clue that they're packed with these anti-inflammatory polyphenols called anthocyanins. In fact, a large review of randomised control trials found improvements in memory and blood pressure after eating berry anthocyanins.”
Additional health benefits and precautions
Dr Clare Mosley added that blackberries are best eaten fresh but can be paired with yoghurt for a “juicy and scrumptious” breakfast or enjoyed as a sweet-tasting dessert.
According to Healthline, blackberries are high in manganese, which “plays a key role in collagen formation”. Experts say these minerals “may help prevent osteoporosis, manage blood sugar levels, and reduce epileptic seizures”.
However, blackberries are not suitable for every diet. People prone to kidney problems or taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin should avoid them, as well as those with known intolerances.
Where to buy and how to store
As of August 21, Aldi sells small 150g packs of British Blackberries for 99p, down from £1.49. The berries are also available at most major chains like Asda, Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, and Lidl.
Blackberries often cost more than strawberries or raspberries, which can lead some budget shoppers to leave them on the shelf. Higher prices are usually due to rising labour costs, as blackberries are exclusively hand-picked given their softer, more delicate nature compared with strawberries.
To extend the life of shop-bought blackberries, empty the plastic punnet as soon as you get home and transfer the best berries to a shallow container lined with a dry paper towel to soak up moisture. Keep the container cold and vented to prevent berries from ripening too quickly, going soft, and rotting.
