We see a variety of fruits in the supermarket, but have you ever tried adding boysenberry to your next grocery shopping list?
This article will help us to learn more about boysenberries and their interesting benefits.
The Evolution of Berries: Boysenberries
California-based farmer Rudolph Boysen successfully bred a fruit between blackberry and raspberry. A berry farmer named Walter Knott has learned about the new breed and met with Boysen. He started growing it as a commercial fruit and making it as preserves. He named the crop after its originator and what we now know as a boysenberry. Boysenberries are known for their dark purple color, juiciness, and distinct flavor that comes from their fruit parent.
Boysenberry vs. Blackberry
Both boysenberries and blackberries belong to the same class and family. The difference between these two is easy to notice.
The blackberry is pine cone-like, while the boysenberries are marble-like in shape. The blackberries are pure black, while the boysenberries come with a tinge of purple. Blackberries come from early times during the 18th and 19th centuries. The development of boysenberries only started when Rudolph Boysen began his experiment in the 1920s. Boysenberry became popular in the 1930s, long after the blackberries were introduced. Soon, boysenberries will become more popular due to their surprising benefits to our bodies.
Boysenberry Health Benefits
Similar to their parent fruit, boysenberries are also rich in anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are natural antioxidants that help maintain healthy brain cells and fight against oxidative damage that can lead to brain aging, including Alzheimer’s disease. One of its surprising benefits is that boysenberries play an important role in boosting memory, too.
Here are some health benefits of boysenberries.
1. Healthy Blood Pressure
The outstanding potassium to sodium ratio of boysenberries can help in reducing the risk of hypertension [1]. A cup of boysenberry has 183 milligrams of potassium versus its 1.3 milligrams of sodium. This potassium to sodium ratio can help the blood vessels relax, keeping the blood pressure in its normal state.
2. Healthy Gut
People who have problems with their bowel movements can benefit from boysenberry consumption. The amount of dietary fiber found in boysenberry is substantial for people suffering from constipation. The suggested daily fiber intake for women is 25 grams, while it is 38 grams for men.
3. Healthy Kidneys
Boysenberries contain considerable amounts of Vitamin K. Vitamin K helps decrease the effect of thickened arteries. Aside from being a good source of Vitamin K, eating boysenberries can reduce the cause of some diseases and even kidney stones [2].
4. Healthy Heart and Immunity
It is also suggested that regular consumption of boysenberry can boost immunity to fight off viruses. The cholesterol can also be reduced, preventing heart attacks and other heart diseases [3].
Can Boysenberry Help in Promoting Hair Growth?
In general, berries are high in vitamins and nutrients that may support hair growth. One of the vitamins that can be found in boysenberry as one of its surprising benefits is vitamin C which is known for its strong antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants can help protect hair follicles from harmful elements called free radicals that can cause hair damage. Free radicals exist in the body and the environment, but regular boysenberry consumption can help the body to protect itself from these harmful molecules.
The body also needs vitamin C to produce collagen, a protein compound that helps the hair become stronger and prevents it from becoming brittle and breaking. Vitamin C can also improve iron absorption in the body through food. Low iron levels can be linked to hair loss aside from its common cause of anemia.
When It Is Best To Consume Boysenberries
Boysenberries may not be seen regularly at your local grocery store, but it’s worth seeking. Aside from being a good source of vitamin C and potassium, boysenberries contain other essential vitamins and minerals such as manganese, iron, and calcium. This makes boysenberry one of the healthier options to buy as part of your diet for a healthier body. When buying from a local market or at the nearest farmer’s market, look for fresh and frozen boysenberries as they are more nutritious than canned in heavy syrup with high sugar content.
Boysenberries can be eaten fresh on top of yogurt, turned into smoothies, or tossed in salads. You may also consider adding boysenberries to your next salsa recipe or add it to your favorite juice drinks and even into cocktails or wine. You may also want to try adding boysenberries into your pies and desserts and making them into preserves.
Fiber content found in boysenberries can be a significant source, whether it be fresh, frozen, or canned. Boysenberries contain about 7 grams of dietary fiber per 1 cup serving. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, the average diet consists of approximately 15 grams of fiber a day, compared to 20 – 35 grams recommended amount for optimum health.
Bottomline: Benefits of Boysenberries
Boysenberries may not be as commonly known as their parent fruits like blueberries and raspberries. You may visit your local farmer’s markets where you can see them in either canned or frozen form. Some of its health benefits include better gut health, improved blood pressure, and a healthier heart.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Matsushima, A., Furuuchi, R., Shirai, M., Nagai, S., Yokoyama, T., Nishida, H., & Hirayama, M. (2014). Effects of acute and chronic boysenberry intake on blood pressure and endothelial function in spontaneous hypertensive rats. Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology, 60(1), 43–51. https://doi.org/10.3177/jnsv.60.43
- Lincoln University. (n.d.). OXALATE AND ANTIOXIDANT CONCENTRATIONS OF LOCALLY GROWN AND IMPORTED FRUIT IN NEW ZEALAND. Retrieved August 29, 2022, from https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/35466323.pdf
- Uchida, A., Kasuga, Y., Ota, M., & Yano, T. (2017). The effects of boysenberries on cholesterol metabolism to prevent atherosclerosis. Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism, 8, 97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnim.2017.04.138
