As you may already know, the Morus Alba tree produces mulberries – a fruit similar to grape that can be eaten dried as well. But you probably never knew about its health benefits.

With only around 60 calories per cup, raw mulberries contain iron, which helps regulate the flow of oxygen within the body, as well as fructose. They also contain vitamins (K, C and B12), calcium, fiber, and proteins in the right quantities for the body to best utilize. The berries are also used to ease cramps and constipation, along with curing certain ailments like anemia. This article gives you a break down of 4 things you never knew about mulberries.

Mulberries

1. Body Tissue and Skin Care

Vitamin C and K have been known to increase the strength of tissue in the body, and help  bone development/blood clotting respectively. Mulberry has these vitamins in abundance, and consuming cups of the fruit in its raw form or as a pure juice is highly beneficial to the body – as arthritis, bone degradation and other disorders could well be largely prevented.

The benefits of using the mulberry extract cannot be ignored. Research shows that when rubbed on the skin, it makes your skin smoother and more shiny. The vitamins A and E also help in the treatment of dry skin. It’s also used as an anti-aging agent as it helps remove skin blemishes, wrinkles, rashes, and pimples.

2. The Treatment of Anemia and Heart Disease

The abundance of iron found in mulberry has helped in the treatment of anemia. Symptoms like nausea and tiredness can also be greatly reduced. On the other hand, the flavonoids, antioxidants, and fiber also help in fighting heart disease.

Stroke and other forms of heart attack can be prevented by consuming mulberry in regulated quantities. It helps maintain a steady flow of blood through the body and provides polyphenols – needed to assist in the proper functioning of the the circulatory system.

3. Helps Reduce the Risk of Cancer and Poor Vision

Since cancer has no known cure, it’s only wise that you control the risk of developing it  as much as possible. The phytonutrients and antioxidants contained in mulberries go a long way in slowing down the growth of tumours that lead to cancer.

The anthocyanins also play a role in protecting you from this deadly disease. If you’re fighting against, or trying to prevent, thyroid, skin cancer, prostate cancer or colon cancer, an intake of these berries puts you at a better chance of survival, thanks to the cancer-inhibiting properties of resveratrol in mulberries.

You  have surely heard that carrots contain vitamin A for better night vision. Well, mulberries are not much different in this aspect. They contain an adequate quantity of vitamin A, to help prevent loss of sight and also protect or improve your general vision. The oxidative stress that builds up in your eye can be reduced by the zeaxanthin in the mulberry extract. Cataracts can also be prevented by the carotenoids found in mulberries.

4. Helps in Weight Loss

According to  research carried out by the Catholic University of Sacred Heart and the F. De Ritis Institute, subjects who consumed over 1200 mulberries lost over 50% of their entire body weight in about a quarter of a year.

Another study also showed that consumers of mulberries lost weight around their hips and thighs. This means that the fruit helps lower your cholesterol levels and reduce weight in certain areas of your body without having an irregular body shape.

In Conclusion

There are some side effects that come from excess consumption of mulberries. It could lead to hypoglycemia, as it lowers the blood sugar levels of the consumer. People suffering from kidney disease are also advised not to ingest mulberries or its extracts.

Women who are still breastfeeding should consult a doctor before taking it. That being said, its benefits far outweigh its disadvantages. With ongoing research on its effects in boosting brain performance, the mulberry will only continue playing an important role in  our health in the coming years.