How to Use Boysenberries
Boysenberries are a cross between a raspberry and a Pacific blackberry. As such, you would assume that not only does boysenberry have all the same uses, but the same benefits as well. You would be correct. Boysenberries can be used for everything raspberries and blackberries are. Eaten fresh, sprinkled into yogurt, turned into smoothies, tossed into salads, added to salsa, blended into drinks, made into cocktails or wine, and even cooked down into sauces and purees to accompany meat and fowl dishes. Of course, boysenberry uses also include having them made into preserves, pies, and other desserts.
Why Should You Eat Boysenberries?
Like blueberries, boysenberries are high in natural antioxidants known to help maintain healthy brain cells. What this means to you is that they protect against damage that may lead to brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease. They can also help with your memory. These natural antioxidants, called anthocyanins, also seem to inhibit inflammation and cancer. Another benefit to eating boysenberries is their high vitamin C content. Vitamin C boosts the immune system and helps to prevent cardiovascular disease and prenatal health problems. It has also been shown to help prevent and heal eye diseases. Boysenberries are also high in vitamin K, another important component in preventing degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s. It reduces the risk of kidney stones and may help reduce the risk of diabetes too. High fiber content is yet another of the many boysenberry benefits. Dietary fiber has been shown to help prevent heart disease and cancer and lessen the chance of developing diabetes. It may reduce the incidence of gallstones and kidney stones as well. Fiber also aids with digestion, by reducing or eliminating many digestive issues. Of all these benefits, you’ll be pleased to learn that boysenberries are fat-free and low in calories! Plus, they contain folate, a form of B vitamin recommended for pregnant women. Boysenberries have fallen out of fashion and can be difficult to find. With this new information about all the health benefits of these berries, though, that might not be for long. In the meantime, they can be found at some farmers markets, and on occasion in cans or frozen. Of course, you could always grow your own as well.
