Mulberry berry (mulberry): photo, benefit and harm

The beneficial properties of mulberries were discovered in ancient times, which has not gone unnoticed by doctors and folk healers even today. The fruits, leaves and even the roots of the mulberry tree are successfully used not only in the treatment of many diseases, but also to maintain immunity in children and adults.

How to correctly – mulberry or mulberry

The mulberry (or mulberry) tree is a long-liver, able to grow in one place up to 250 years. Considering the scientific classification of plants, you can see that the tree belongs to the mulberry family and the mulberry genus. Based on this description, it is safe to say that both names will be correct – both mulberry and mulberry.

Sometimes, in common parlance, you can also hear slightly modified names of the tree, for example, the name “tyutina” is more common on the Don, and the inhabitants of Central Asia call the tree “here”.

Despite the various names of the tree, mulberry does not lose its medicinal properties, but few people know about them.

Mulberry is a berry or fruit

According to the scientific classification, mulberry fruits belong to the category of complex berry fruits. During the growing season, flowers of miniature size, located separately from each other, accumulate in one place and grow together into a berry.

Based on the description, it is safe to say that the fruit of the mulberry tree is a berry, not a fruit.

What does mulberry taste like

It is quite difficult to describe the taste of mulberries, especially for those who have never tasted these fruits in their lives. It cannot be compared with any other berries, fruits or vegetables.

More popular are mulberry trees with white or black berries, the taste of which is slightly different from each other:

• black berries are dominated by sweetness with a pronounced sourness;
• whites have a pronounced caramel-honey flavor.

Mulberry chemical composition

In terms of its chemical composition, mulberry differs from most known berries in its healing properties:

• vitamin C more by 86%;
• more calcium by 61%;
• more fiber by 60%;
• more iron by 60%;
• alpha-carotene is 58% more.

Since the mulberry tree uses not only fruits, but also twigs with foliage, and bark with roots, the content of nutrients in each part should be considered.

Berries

For a better understanding of why mulberries are so popular in traditional and folk medicine, as well as among nutritionists, consider the composition of BJU in 100 g of fruit:

1. Proteins – 1,44
2. Saturated fat – 0,027 g.
3. Monounsaturated fats – 0,041 g.
4. Polyunsaturated fats – 0,207 g.
5. Carbohydrates – 9,8 g. This amount includes 8,1 g of sugars (in the form of fructose and glucose) and 1,7 g of dietary fiber.

The beneficial properties of black mulberry can be judged based on the various polyphenolic compounds contained in it:

• tannins;
• organic acids, with a predominance of citric and malic;
• flavonoids;
• coumarin;
• pectin;
• lutein;
• zeaxanthin;
• resveratrol.

But these are far from all the macro- and microelements that the mulberry is rich in. The data given in the table correspond to the content of substances in 100 g of ripe berries:

Harvesting of mulberry fruits for medicinal purposes should be carried out from early July to mid-August. It is during this period that mulberries absorb the greatest amount of nutrients. From mulberry fruits, you can prepare tinctures and decoctions.

Many believe that only mulberry berries are beneficial or harmful, but this is far from the case.

Sprigs

In folk medicine, twigs and foliage of the mulberry tree are also widely used. In their composition, according to the results of laboratory studies, a high content of alkaloids was found that can affect the glucose content in blood cells, and flavonoids that can fight the bacterium that causes Staphylococcus aureus, salmonellosis and dysentery.

Uzvar made from mulberry twigs helps to reduce blood pressure and relieve rheumatoid pain.

In Chinese folk medicine, the bark, leaves and roots of the mulberry tree are widely used to treat:

• renal failure;
• impotence;
• bronchitis;
• asthma;
• diabetes;
• heart disease;
• dyskrenesia;
• menopause;
• swelling of the heart and kidneys.

To use twigs and leaf plates of mulberries for medicinal purposes, the collection of raw materials must be carried out in early spring, as soon as the leaves begin to open.

They are used to prepare decoctions, tinctures, powder and ointments.

The roots

The healing properties of mulberry roots are evidenced by numerous reviews of people who have seen them from their own experience. The use of infusions and decoctions from the roots helps in the treatment of:

• various pathological abnormalities in the organs;
• hypertension;
• skin diseases – psoriasis, ulcers, vitiligo.

Useful properties of mulberry roots have been identified when using a decoction with a wet cough, for better expectoration. There are frequent cases when a decoction of the roots helped to thin the blood streams.

Mulberry roots should be harvested only in the autumn period, since only at this time they accumulate the maximum amount of macro- and microelements necessary for effective treatment.

What is useful mulberry for the body

Eating the fruits of the mulberry tree is not only possible, but also necessary. Test studies carried out in scientific laboratories comparing mulberries and cranberries, which are famous for their beneficial properties, prove that mulberry fruits can be even more useful than the latter.

Fiber, which is part of the fruit, in addition to regulating the level of cholesterol in the blood, is capable of:

• improve digestion;
• normalize stool;
• eliminate flatulence and bloating.

The high content of vitamins A and E in the berry will help improve the condition of nails, internal organs, skin and hair.

The use of mulberry fruits has a beneficial effect not only on the health of adults, but also has a positive effect on the children’s body.

The beneficial properties and contraindications of mulberry, depending on gender and age characteristics, should be discussed in more detail.

Useful properties of mulberry for women

Many representatives of the beautiful half of humanity monitor the condition of not only the hair and body, but also the figure.

The beneficial effect of fruits on the female body is due to the content in them:

1. magnesium. Allows you to stabilize the nervous system, in connection with which, it becomes easier for women to cope with stress and irritability during menopause.
2. Carbohydrates. Contribute to the stimulation of the brain and mental activity.
3. Beta carotene. Helps maintain a good appearance and youth.
4. Vitamin C. Helps the body to increase resistance to viruses and bacteria.

Ripe mulberry fruits are able to remove water from the body, resulting in reduced swelling, which in turn helps women lose weight. And the evaporated juice from fresh fruits helps to stop excessive menstrual bleeding.

The widespread use of mulberry berries in cosmetology:

• white fruits are used to whiten the skin;
• to improve the structure of the hair follicle and hair in general, as well as to remove dandruff, dark-colored fruits are used: a nourishing mask is prepared from them.

What is useful mulberry for men

The fruits of the mulberry tree are also irreplaceable for representatives of the strong half of humanity:

1. They increase the production of testosterone, which has a beneficial effect on the number of active spermatozoa. This fact must be taken into account by couples planning to conceive.
2. Help from the most common male diseases – prostatitis and impotence.
3. Due to the content of vitamin B1 in the berries, it is easier to fall asleep after a hard day’s work.
4. The proteins contained in the mulberry are an excellent building material for muscle mass.
5. Due to the large amount of carbohydrates, it will be much easier for men to cope with physical exertion, not only during work, but also when playing sports.

The removal of harmful substances and the improvement of the general well-being of men is possible due to the detoxification properties of the mulberry tree.

Health benefits of mulberry for children

For the younger generation, the benefits of mulberry fruits are undeniable:

1. The natural sugars contained in the berry are able to give the necessary boost of energy necessary for the better development of fragile children’s organisms.
2. Due to the high content of vitamins, macro- and microelements, mulberries have a beneficial effect on children’s immunity, as a result of which they are less likely to be exposed to infectious respiratory diseases.
3. Common childhood illnesses, such as dysbiosis and intestinal upset, will pass faster and less painfully when eating berries, due to the effect of vitamins and minerals on the digestive tract.
4. If a boy has been ill with mumps, then in order to restore sexual functions in the future, daily consumption of mulberry fruits will become simply necessary.
5. Strengthening and enrichment of bone tissue becomes possible due to the high content of calcium and potassium in mulberry.

The benefits and harms of mulberries during pregnancy

Taking mulberries during the period of gestation will avoid some discomfort:

1. The use of fresh berries contributes to the prevention of viral and colds.
2. Adding a glass of fresh berries to the daily diet will help relieve puffiness.
3. Thanks to the content in mulberry, phosphorus, you can achieve an increase in hemoglobin and avoid anemia.

An important factor in the benefits of mulberries for expectant mothers is the high content of folic acid in the fruits, which reduces the risk of fetal malformations.

For expectant mothers, despite all the useful properties of mulberries, there are some contraindications for taking berries:

1. You can not exceed the daily norm of berries – this can affect the functioning of the kidneys.
2. Only freshly picked fruits can be eaten, because only they will have the highest content of nutrients.
3. Before use, mulberry fruits must be doused with boiling water. This will reduce the risk of infection.
4. You can not eat unripe berries, which lead to indigestion, poisoning or bloating.

Medicinal properties of the mulberry tree in folk medicine

The rich vitamin and mineral composition of mulberry has been appreciated in folk medicine. The healing properties of the plant, and not only the fruits, but also the bark, leaves and roots, are successfully used for the manufacture of various preparations:

• tincture;
• syrups;
• rubbing;
• knots;
• ointment

Any preparation from mulberry is not narrowly focused and can help in the treatment of many diseases.

Mulberry from diabetes

Mulberry fruits perfectly cope with the normalization of insulin levels in the blood, as a result, the breakdown of sugars in the intestines slows down, which very slowly begin to penetrate into the blood. But the use of mulberry fruits can only help with type 2 diabetes, and the number of berries is strictly regulated – no more than 750 g per day. But, if antidiabetic drugs are being taken, then the number of berries must be reduced so as not to cause an exacerbation of hypoglycemia.

With “jumps” in blood sugar levels, you can use an infusion of leaves – 2 tbsp. l. for 1 st. steep boil. The leaves are infused for 12 hours, this will be the daily norm, and the course of use does not exceed 10 days.

Useful properties of mulberry for eye disease

Invaluable benefits can be derived from the fruits and leaves of the mulberry for eye disease. The high content of vitamin A in the berries themselves can help:

1. Strengthen your eyesight.
2. Relieve stress from long work at the laptop.
3. Protect the eyes from the harmful effects of released radicals, which often lead to vision loss and retinal changes.

Mulberry foliage, boiled in a water bath, in 30 days of use can get rid of the “fog” in the eyes, stop lacrimation and relieve signs of primary glaucoma. To do this, the infusion must be used in the form of eye drops – 5 drops for each eye at bedtime.

Mulberry from intracranial pressure

The emerging signs of hypertension (intracranial pressure) will help eliminate the mulberry tree. To relieve symptoms, you can use not only berries, but also decoctions of roots and leaves.

To prepare the decoction you will need:

• 2 tbsp. l. crushed roots;
• 250 ml of boiled water.

Preparation of the daily norm:

1. The roots must be washed, dried and chopped.
2. Pour the resulting chips with water and boil for half an hour on low heat.
3. The broth must be cooled and filtered.

The resulting solution must be consumed 3 times a day before meals.

To prepare a tincture from the leaves, you can use both fresh herbs and dried, but always in crushed form.

Necessary ingredients:

• 1 tsp leaves;
• 250 ml of boiled water.

All ingredients are mixed and infused for half an hour in a dark, cool place, after which the infusion can be consumed at a dosage of 250 ml 60 minutes before bedtime.

Use in cooking

Mulberry fruits are also widely used in cooking. From them you can cook:

• jam;
• jam;
• jam;
• syrup;
• marshmallow;
• Home wine;
• compotes and jelly.

In addition to heat treatment, berries can be dried and frozen. And even in this state, mulberry does not lose its medicinal properties.

Is it possible to mulberry while breastfeeding

There are no strict restrictions on the use of mulberries during lactation, but excessive consumption of fruits can cause an allergic reaction in both mother and baby.

The introduction of ripe berries into the diet should be carried out gradually, carefully monitoring how the child reacts to the new product. If babies have signs of bloating, colic or allergies, then the use of mulberry should be immediately abandoned.

Contraindications for use

The berry has practically no contraindications, but this does not mean that you can eat a whole bucket of mulberries at a time.

The main reasons for refusal of fruits are:

1. Individual intolerance.
2. Tendency to allergic reactions.
3. Diabetes mellitus type 1.
4. Liver failure.
5. Persistent hypertension.

Everything is poison and everything is medicine. Both are determined by the dose ”- this well-known saying of the ancient physician and alchemist Paracelsus quite accurately describes the benefits and harms of mulberry fruits. In any case, it is necessary to adhere to certain measures so as not to get side effects in the form of excessive urination or diarrhea.

Calorie content of mulberries

Mulberry berries contain a low amount of calories – only 100 kcal per 45 g of fruit. But, despite such a low calorie content, there is a lot of water (85%) and sugars in the berry. Therefore, the benefits of mulberry in matters of getting rid of extra pounds can be twofold.

In any case, before introducing the product into the diet, you should consult with a dietitian.

Glycemic index of mulberry

The fruits of the mulberry are not far behind in their performance from other berries known for their healing properties.

The glycemic index of mulberries is only 25 units, which has a beneficial effect on the health of people with diabetes.

Conclusion

The beneficial properties of mulberries are in their high content of important components that affect the health of the whole organism as a whole. But it is worth remembering that everything is good in moderation. It is best to consult with a specialist before you start using mulberry for medicinal purposes.