It is finally here! Berry season has officially begun and you should definitely be reaping the benefits that go with it. One of the best things about the spring season is the berries. They are a quick, easy, and sweet way to get more bang for your nutritional buck. While there are tons of berries that are readily available this time of year each berry has a different value they bring to your table. It is important to know the benefits for all of the different berry options, that way you can customize your own nutritional needs. For this post we are going to discuss the berry underdog, blackberries. By the end of this post you will know tons of amazing reasons why you should start eating blackberries today and a mouth watering way to use them.

Blackberries the Unsung Hero

When we think of berries we tend to stick to the three main berries: strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. While these three berries are amazing, and will definitely have their own post to delve deeper into their holistic properties, this post is all about the berry that is often forgotten the blackberry. Blackberries don’t get the respect they deserve they have tons of nutritional benefits. They weren’t always the forgotten berry. Blackberries used to be used to treat a number of medicinal needs, most commonly for oral health. But they can do so much more.

Nature’s Hidden Treasures

Blackberries are high in fiber which aids in digestion and promotes weight loss. They promote wound healing and provide relief from PMS symptoms. Blackberries are high in antioxidants which helps slow the hands of time. They are full of essential B vitamins that are known to increase energy levels, reduce memory loss, and improve overall mood. Blackberries are great for boosting your immune system and cleansing the blood. They help strengthen bones, and promote healthy eyes, skin, hair, and heart function. Blackberries can even help lower your cholesterol and help with regulating diabetes. One of my favorite aspects of the blackberry is the fact that it helps provide UV protection. Once again, Mother Nature is trying to let you know she has your back. Are you ready for a mouth watering way to add blackberries to your daily routine?

Lemon Blackberry Muffins

Gluten-Free, Vegan Serves 12

• ½ Cup Banana Mashed 
• 1 Cup Blackberries Fresh
• ⅓ Cup Coconut Oil
• 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest
• ½ Cup Coconut Milk Full Fat
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• ½ Cup Coconut Sugar
• 1 ½ Cup Coconut Flour
• ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 3 Drops Lemon Essential Oil (Make sure you use one that can be taken internally!)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degree fahrenheit. In a large bowl combine all wet ingredients, mix well. In a smaller bowl combine all dry ingredients, mix well. Slowly begin to incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet (I do about ½ cup at a time) until both bowls are completely incorporated. Take a muffin pan of your choice and add a nonstick barrier to each cup (non stick spray, muffin/cupcake wrappers, or my favorite wax paper cut into squares and I spray the pan prior to adding the cups for easier removal). Place mixture into cups making sure not to fill completely (when you use coconut flour the muffins tend to be more dense and do not rise as high). Bake for 20 minutes at 350 or until golden brown. Let cool and enjoy! I love to add blackberry chia jam. 

Bonus Recipe!

Here is a Bonus Recipe take ½ cup frozen blackberries, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, and ½ tablespoon of lemon juice. Place the frozen blackberries and lemon juice in a microwave safe dish cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir and add chia seeds (be sure to stir as you add it will avoid clumping) let sit for 5 minutes and enjoy. Be sure to store it in the refrigerator. 

Need a Helping Hand?

A happy and healthy life is closer than you may think. Our health is something that we all have to deal with daily, and when we don’t feel our best, it shows. If you are tired of just making it through your day then you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you ever need any help I am always here to do just that. Even if it is something as small as just acting as a sounding board. Do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with? Feel free to contact me directly at [email protected] or you can even book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies and check back daily for more great recipes and information!