10 Surprising Health Benefits of Mulberries

 

Mulberries are tiny little fruits with huge health benefits. Mulberries are the fruits of certain species of trees in the genus Morus belonging to the family Moraceae. The mulberry fruit, known as the mulberry or just mulberry, has an outer layer of skin that is white to deep pink and fleshy with sweet, creamy flesh inside that can be eaten raw or used to make jams and sweets.

 

1) Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The benefits of mulberries are heavily due to its high levels of antioxidants that fight off disease and oxidative stress. Mulberry fruit extract is also used in traditional Chinese medicine, as it has many therapeutic effects on human health. Anti-inflammatory properties, for example, helps to alleviate arthritis symptoms and promote better lung health. Antioxidants help combat a number of diseases because they keep cells from deteriorating and dying when exposed to toxins and pathogens. By eliminating harmful chemicals from your body, you boost your overall immune system so that you’re more likely to fight off infections.

 

2) Antioxidant Properties

Antioxidants are powerful disease-fighting nutrients that protect cells from damage and can even fight cancer. Research shows that mulberries contain ample antioxidants, including anthocyanins, which help boost our immune system.

 

3) Phytonutrients

Phytonutrients are compounds naturally occurring in plants that provide health benefits. Studies have shown they can be more powerful than their vitamins and minerals counterparts, helping us fight diseases and reduce our risk for chronic conditions. Phytonutrients in mulberries include a large amount of polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid, which are collectively known as anti-oxidants. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals within our bodies (which can damage DNA) to promote longevity.

 

4) Mulberry Juice Helps Lose Weight

Study shows that consuming mulberry juice twice a day could help you lose weight and also boosts your heart health. According to a recent study published in Nutrition Journal, researchers found out that 3.2 oz. of mulberry juice twice daily for 12 weeks helped promote healthy blood pressure levels, lower LDL or bad cholesterol, and increase HDL or good cholesterol levels in obese patients.

 

5) Promotes Digestive Health

The mulberry leaves and fruit are rich in fiber that promotes digestive health. Consuming too much fiber, however, can cause stomach upset, bloating, cramping and diarrhea. To avoid these side effects, drink plenty of water when you eat mulberries to soften their natural fibers.

 

6) Prevents Urinary Tract Infections

The Vitamin C content in mulberries helps promote good urinary tract health, reducing your risk for developing bladder or kidney infections. In fact, a study published in Urology found that women who ate more vitamin C-rich foods and fruits had fewer UTIs than those who didn't. (1) Another benefit is that mulberry leaf tea also benefits bone health. Research shows that drinking mulberry leaf tea can inhibit bone degradation. The leaves have also been used to treat inflammation and fever; though scientific evidence is lacking, it has been used traditionally in Asia as an anti-inflammatory remedy and to treat eye inflammation and bleeding gums.

 

7) Improves Vision and Reduces Eye Fatigue

The antioxidants and anthocyanins in mulberries help improve vision and reduce eye fatigue. They’re also helpful for managing glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and other eye conditions. If you have diabetes, mulberries can lower your blood sugar levels. If you have high cholesterol or triglycerides, mulberries can help lower them too. And if you have a history of heart disease or stroke, eating more fruits like mulberries can lower your risk for future heart problems by helping to prevent plaque buildup in your arteries.

 

8) Treats Diabetes Type 2

It’s known that mulberry fruit helps to treat diabetes type 2. This type of disease develops when your body is not able to produce or use insulin properly, causing levels of glucose in your blood to rise. Because it lowers blood sugar and improves sensitivity, mulberry fruit can help prevent and control diabetes type 2.

 

9) Great Antiseptic Agent

The benefits of mulberries include their ability to fight against illnesses. Mulberry leafs are particularly good for dealing with wounds because they act as an antiseptic agent, which is useful for healing minor cuts and scrapes. Additionally, mulberry leaves can also treat hemorrhoids since they have astringent properties that help shrink inflamed tissue.

 

10) Aids in Sleep Quality

In traditional Chinese medicine, mulberry is used to treat insomnia and respiratory illnesses. In combination with magnolia bark, mulberry can be taken to improve overall sleep quality. This herb is also used as a sedative in Korea and China. Though studies haven’t been done on mulberry’s effects on sleep quality specifically, herbalists commonly recommend it for those who suffer from insomnia and other sleep-related issues. Many of its active compounds pass through breast milk, so nursing mothers can take mulberry to help them get a better night’s rest without affecting their baby’s health or behavior.