Health Benefits of Mulberries

A list of health benefits of mulberries is a long one. The berries have been used for centuries all over the world. Native Americans from the Americas to the Chinese used it to treat such diverse maladies as stomach aches, flatulence, colic and diarrhea, cramps, influenza, dropsy, piles, palsy and blindness. And yet, even today, when most people have access to grocery stores packed with processed foods and with plenty of sugar and fat in them, people still insist on eating this rather remarkable berry.

1. Improve Digestion

Second, the health benefits of white mulberries help increase the amount of soluble fiber in the digestive system. Our bodies are designed to naturally have ten to twenty pounds of fiber in them. However, most people do not consume enough of this fiber and it is eliminated from the diet as waste. A ten-pound reduction in the amount of fiber that is ingested can cause a significant improvement in symptoms such as constipation, bloating and gas.

2. Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases

Antioxidants are particularly important for the cardiovascular system. Some of the compounds in mulberries that are important for cardiovascular health include vitamin C, flavonoids, proanthocyanins and quercetin. These compounds are powerful antioxidants. When antioxidant enzymes are induced in the liver, it produces vitamin C in massive amounts. When the liver removes excess vitamin C, it also removes excess iron. In addition to reducing the risk of heart disease, taking supplements of vitamin C and iron can lower the risks of hemorrhagic stroke and cataracts.

3. Improve Blood Circulation

Third, while eating a diet rich in dietary fiber is important to good health, the health benefits of mulberries go beyond the realm of heart health. While fiber provides natural relief from constipation, it also increases the amount of bioactive phenolics present in the fruits. Bioactive phenolics are powerful antioxidants that are found in dark-colored fruits. Antioxidants improve blood circulation, strengthen the immune system and prevent aging.

4. Balance Cholesterol Level

The fourth health benefits of Mulberries is their role in balancing cholesterol levels. Since cholesterol is considered a “bad” cholesterol, people who reduce their intake of dietary fiber may have a decreased risk of heart disease. The bioactive phenolics present in the fruits prevent absorption of cholesterol and modify cholesterol levels. They also modify the response of the body to stress, which helps to reduce high blood pressure. The result is an overall lowering of cholesterol.

5. Anti-Cancer Activity

Lastly, the health benefits of mulberry trees are due largely to the anti-cancer activity of the anti-oxidants present in the fruit. Some of these compounds act as powerful antioxidants by scavenging free radicals, which in turn prevent cells from being damaged. Free radicals in the body increase the risk of cancer, so the more anti-oxidant activity you have, the better off you will be. Dark mulberry berries are a good source of anti-oxidants.

6. Benefits for Skin, Teeth and Bones

Another of the important health benefits of mulberries is their high content of vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for strong vision and healthy skin, and it is also important in the formation of healthy teeth and bones. It helps maintain healthy skin, too, by preventing wrinkling and cracking. Mulberries have about twice the amount of vitamin A that you find in oranges, and almost ten times the amount of vitamin A that you find in spinach.

7. Stimulate Bowel Movements

The last of the health benefits of mulberries may surprise some people. Because they have a high amount of fiber, they act as a natural colon cleanser and stimulate regular bowel movements. Fiber is not only good for digestion, but it helps keep your entire digestive system moving along, as well as helping to move waste out of your body. When you combine all of these functions with the fact that mulberries may help you lower cholesterol levels, and you get a powerful package of benefits.

8. Maintain Digestive Health

You can also benefit from the health benefits of mulberries, because they are also a source of a number of other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin k, iron, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and folic acid. All of these vitamins are important for your digestive health, and a diet that is lacking in any of them can be difficult to balance. This means that getting enough of these vitamins is important, and any vitamin k increases your odds of fighting constipation.

9. Conclusion

So if you’re trying to lose weight or improve your health, you should really give mulberries a try. Not only do they taste great, but eating them will not only provide you with the nutrients you need, but they can also give you plenty of antioxidants, which are great for fighting off disease. That list of health benefits of mulberries is sure to help you enjoy this delightful berry for years to come.