Many people now follow a low-acid diet to relieve the symptoms of acid reflux and GERD.
There are a lot of foods low in acid to choose from when designing such a diet, and most berries fit into this category. But do they all? What about one of the most popular: blackberries?
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Are Blackberries Acidic or Alkaline?
Where a food lies on the pH scale shows whether it is acidic, neutral, or alkaline. A pH of 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic, and above is alkaline.
With a pH of between 3.2 and 3.6, blackberries and blackberry juice are acidic.
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The Benefits of Eating Blackberries
Although blackberries are acidic, they're still a great addition to your diet. I've listed some of the health benefits of eating blackberries below.
1. Disease prevention.
Adding blackberries to your diet may reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. They may also help prevent age-related cognitive problems and diabetes.
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2. They contain fiber.
Blackberries contain a lot of dietary fiber, which improves digestion and keeps you regular.
Fiber also benefits your cardiovascular system, reduces your risk of heart attack, and helps regulate sugar levels. It may also reduce your LDL cholesterol levels.
Fiber also makes you feel full for longer after eating, so blackberries are a great snack for those watching their calorie intake.
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3. They contain antioxidants.
Blackberries are rich in antioxidants, including anthocyanins, which may reduce the effects of cancer, neurological disease, and aging. Antioxidants help flush out free radicals and may also fight infection and diabetes.
Blackberries contain ellagic acid, which improves circulation. They also contain rutin, an anti-inflammatory flavonoid that reduces the risk of heart disease.
As blackberries are acidic, they're best avoided on a low-acid diet to avoid triggering acid reflux symptoms. However, they may relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids and psoriasis due to the anti-viral and ant-fungal properties of gallic acid they contain.
As they contain p-coumaric acid, eating blackberries may reduce your risk of stomach cancer.
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4. They contain polyunsaturated fats.
Like most fruits, blackberries are low in fat. The polyunsaturated fats they do contain contribute to heart health and reduce cholesterol.
Blackberries are an excellent addition to a healthy, balanced diet, although they're probably not suitable for those on a low-acid diet.
However, if you love blackberries and are on a low-acid diet, consider eating them with alkaline foods to neutralize their acidity.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level
RELATED QUESTIONS
Blackberries can be easily frozen and are still good for you; studies show that frozen berries are as nutritious as fresh.
It is best to keep your blackberries in the freezer for up to 6 months and up to 12 months in a deep freezer. To freeze blackberries, wash them first, then freeze them on a baking tray before storing them.
Blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries are not true berries in a botanical sense; however, bananas, pumpkins, and avocados are. True berries develop from a flower with one ovary.