Mulberry (mulberry): photo, benefits and harm

The beneficial properties of mulberries were discovered in ancient times, which have not gone unnoticed by doctors and traditional healers even today. The fruits, leaves and even 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.

Which is correct - mulberry or mulberry?

The mulberry (or mulberry) tree is a long-liver, capable of growing in one place for 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, we can say with confidence that both names will be correct - mulberry and mulberry.

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

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

Based on the description, we can confidently 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.

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

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

Chemical composition of mulberry

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

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

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

Berries

To better understand why mulberry berries are so popular in traditional and folk medicine, as well as among nutritionists, you should consider the composition of BZHU in 100 g of fruit:

1. Proteins – 1.44 g.
2. Saturated fat – 0.027 g.
3. Monounsaturated fat – 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 it contains:

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

But these are not all the macro- and microelements that mulberries are rich in. The data given in the table corresponds to the content of substances in 100 g of ripe berries:

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

Many people believe that only mulberries are beneficial or harmful, but this is far from true.

Twigs

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

Uzvar, prepared from mulberry branches, helps lower blood pressure and relieve rheumatoid pain.

In Chinese folk medicine, the widespread use of mulberry tree bark, leaves and roots to treat:

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

To use mulberry twigs and leaves 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.

Roots

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

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

The beneficial properties of mulberry roots have been identified when using a decoction for a wet cough, for better expectoration.There are often cases when a decoction of the roots helped to thin the bloodstream.

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

What are the benefits of mulberries for the body?

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

Fiber, which is part of the fruit, in addition to regulating cholesterol levels 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.

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

It is worth talking about the beneficial properties and contraindications of mulberry, depending on gender and age characteristics, in more detail.

Useful properties of mulberries for women

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

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

1. Magnesium. Allows you to stabilize the nervous system, which makes it easier for women to cope with stress and irritability during menopause.
2. Carbohydrates. Helps stimulate brain function and mental activity.
3. Beta carotene. Helps maintain good appearance and youth.
4. Vitamin C. Helps the body 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 excess weight. And evaporated juice from fresh fruits helps stop excess menstrual bleeding.

Mulberry berries are widely used in cosmetology:

• White fruits are used to whiten 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 are the benefits of mulberries for men?

Mulberry fruits are also irreplaceable for representatives of the stronger half of humanity:

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

Removing harmful substances and improving the general well-being of men is possible thanks to the detoxifying properties of mulberries.

The benefits of mulberries for children's health

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

1. Natural sugars contained in the berry can provide the necessary boost of energy necessary for the better development of fragile children's bodies.
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 diseases, such as dysbiosis and intestinal disorders, will go away faster and less painful when eating berries, due to the effect of vitamins and minerals on the digestive tract.
4. If a boy has had mumps, then daily consumption of mulberry fruits will be simply necessary to restore sexual functions in the future.
5. Strengthening and enriching bone tissue is made possible thanks to the high content of calcium and potassium in mulberry.

The benefits and harms of mulberries during pregnancy

Taking mulberries during pregnancy will help avoid some discomfort:

1. Eating fresh berries helps prevent viral and colds.
2. Adding a glass of fresh berries to your daily diet will help relieve swelling.
3. Thanks to the phosphorus content in mulberries, you can increase hemoglobin and avoid anemia.

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

For expectant mothers, despite all the beneficial properties of mulberry, there are some contraindications to taking the berry:

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

Medicinal properties of mulberry tree in folk medicine

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

• tinctures;
• syrups;
• rubbing;
• Uzvarov;
• ointments.

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

Mulberry for diabetes

Mulberry fruits do an excellent job of normalizing 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 eating mulberries can only help with type 2 diabetes, and the amount of berries is strictly regulated - no more than 750 g per day.But, if you are taking antidiabetic drugs, then the number of berries must be reduced so as not to cause an exacerbation of hypoglycemia.

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

Beneficial properties of mulberry for eye diseases

Invaluable benefits can be obtained from the fruits and leaves of mulberries for eye diseases. The high content of vitamin A in the berries themselves can help:

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

Mulberry foliage, boiled in a water bath, after 30 days of use can get rid of “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 before bedtime.

Mulberry for intracranial pressure

Mulberry will help eliminate signs of hypertension (intracranial pressure). 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. chopped roots;
• 250 ml boiled water.

Preparation of the daily dose:

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

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

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

Required ingredients:

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

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

Use in cooking

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

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

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

Is it possible to eat mulberries while breastfeeding?

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

The introduction of ripe berries into the diet should be done gradually, carefully monitoring how the child reacts to the new product. If infants show signs of bloating, colic or allergies, then they should immediately stop eating mulberries.

Contraindications for use

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

The main reasons for fruit refusal 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 famous 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 a certain measure in order to avoid side effects such as excessive urination or diarrhea.

Calorie content of mulberry

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

In any case, before introducing the product into your diet, you should consult a nutritionist.

Glycemic index of mulberry

Mulberry fruits do not lag behind other berries known for their healing properties.

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

Conclusion

The beneficial properties of mulberries lie in their high content of important components that affect the health of the entire body as a whole. But it is worth remembering that everything is good in moderation. It is best to consult a specialist before starting to use mulberries for medicinal purposes.

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