MULBERRY’S HEALTH BENEFITS

 

Mulberry on a pot

 

MULBERRY is a fruit bearing tree that is easy to care of. The bark, roots, leaves and fruits are all edible and has a potential health benefits, but the leaves specially the dried ones were more used and highly priced from centuries ago. Chinese used the leaves to feed silkworms, but today, many use the leaves as dietary supplements and as a healthy tea.

There are 3 types of mulberry - red, white and black. They are named according to the color of the fruit.

Dried mulberry leaves

Mulberry leaves are used in traditional Asian medicine for its beneficial properties and have since been proven in many clinical trials. The leaves contain minerals and antioxidants, vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc. Traditionally, the root bark, leaves and fruits were used as treatment for fever, cough, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension and hyperglycaemia(Chan et al.2016).

Scientific studies suggest that mulberry leaves contain a cluster of bioactive compounds and possess several pharmacological effects - Pharm Biol.2018

HEALTH BENEFITS:

* lowers blood sugar - PLoS One 2027 studies found that leaf extract may reduce blood glucose response after a carbohydrate-heavy meal.

* reduces bad cholesterol- 280grams of leaf powder taken 3times regularly for 3 months helps lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides: BioMed Research International published 2013

* anti inflammatory effects- mulberry contains flavonoid antioxidants and numerous anti-inflammatory compounds. 

* cold symptoms - the leaf is used to treat liver conditions. It treats headaches, cough, painful eyes, fever and sore throat.

* weight loss- mulberry tea prevents the absorption of carbohydrates due to the presence of miranoline(1-deoxynojirimycine). It helps the body to flush out carbohydrates and starches from the body so that it does not turn into glucose, hunger is reduced by reducing blood sugar levels- Health Benefits Times

* blood vessels health- the tea reduces the chance of artherosclerosis by lessening oxidisation of cholesterol in the blood vessels which is due to the presence of flavonoids and quercetin in the leaves.

* fights diabetes- the tea restricts the high amount of monosaccharide to enter into the circulation. Prevents type 2 diabetes by maintaining the control over blood sugar level.

*  anti cancer

* liver health

* good for skin

* effective against arthritis and fibrosis 

Caution: Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should stay on the safe side and avoid taking the tea, diabetics should watch signs of low blood sugar and monitor carefully. In some people the tea or eating the leaves may cause bloating, constipation, gas and loose stool. Be cautious in taking tea with your diabetes medications because it might cause your sugar to go too low. The sap from stems and bark may cause irritation to the skin to some. Discontinue taking the tea or eating the leaves if you experience rapid  pulse, breathing difficulties, wheezing and swelling and seek medical advice. 

I love to mix mulberry leaves on sautéed mongo, sardines, or Tinola. I love my Mulberry tea boiled with pandan leaves.  You can also wrap your fish with mulberry leaves when you cook ginataang tilapia.  

Sources:

Healthline

Organifacts net

Pharm Biol 2018

Health Benefit Times 

Livingstrong 

If you need dried or fresh leaves, stem cutting to plant, just send me a message or text 09273870895 or you can order from Facebook market place. Thank you And stay healthy!