Do Blackberries & Blueberries Have the Same Helpful Nutrients?

Blueberries and blackberries are both healthy additions to any nutritious diet. They can both be found at local grocery stores throughout the year, though they are freshest and least inexpensive when they are in season. The two share many of the same nutrients in different amounts, but some nutrients are exclusive to each berry.

Protein

• Blackberries and blueberries are both sources of protein, but blackberries contain about twice as much of it. In 1 cup, blackberries have 2 g of protein while blueberries have 1 g. Proteins are important as they are the building blocks for bones, skin, muscles, cartilage and blood.

Manganese

• Both blueberries and blackberries are excellent sources of manganese, which plays a role in bone development and the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. A 1 cup serving of blackberries contains 0.9 mg of manganese, while the same size serving of blueberries contains 0.5 mg of manganese.

Antioxidants

• Blueberries have a wider variety of antioxidants than blackberries, including polyphenols, which give blueberry skins their colors. Blackberry antioxidants are fewer in number, but they are more easily absorbed by cells in the body.

Vitamin B6

• Vitamin B-6 is important in the proper functioning of the immune and nervous systems and is involved in protein and red blood cell metabolism. Blueberries have about 0.1 mg per 1 cup serving, while blackberries do not offer this nutrient.