Mulberry berry (mulberry): photo, benefits and harms

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

How is it right - 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, it is safe to say that both names will be correct - mulberry and mulberry.

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

Despite the different names of the tree, mulberry does not lose its medicinal properties, but few 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 sizes, 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 silk tree is a berry, not a fruit.

What does mulberry taste like?

It is quite difficult to describe the taste of mulberry, especially for those who have never tasted these fruits in their life. It cannot be compared to any other berry, fruit or vegetable.

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 of the known berries for its healing properties:

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

Since the silk 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, you should consider the composition of BZHU in 100 g of fruits:

1. Proteins - 1.44 g.
2. Saturated Fat - 0.027 g
3. Monounsaturated fat - 0.041 g.
4. Polyunsaturated fat - 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 far from all the macro- and microelements that the mulberry is rich in. The data given in the table correspond to the substance content in 100 g of ripe berries:

Harvesting mulberry fruits for medicinal purposes must be carried out from early July to mid-August. It is during this period that mulberries absorb the greatest amount of nutrients. Tinctures and decoctions can be prepared from silk fruits.

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

Twigs

In folk medicine, the twigs and foliage of the silk tree are also widely used. In their composition, according to the results of laboratory studies, a high content of alkaloids, capable of affecting the glucose content in blood cells, and flavonoids, capable of fighting the bacteria that cause Staphylococcus aureus, salmonellosis and dysentery were revealed.

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

In Chinese traditional medicine, the use of mulberry bark, leaves and roots is widely used to treat:

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

To use the twigs and leaf plates of mulberry 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 for the preparation of decoctions, tinctures, powder and ointments.

Roots

The medicinal properties of mulberry roots are evidenced by numerous reviews of people who were convinced of 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 were revealed when using the decoction with a wet cough, for better expectoration. It is not uncommon for a decoction of the roots to help thin the blood flow.

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

Why mulberry is useful for the body

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

Fiber, which is part of the fetus, in addition to regulating blood cholesterol levels, is capable of:

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

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

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

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

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 to stabilize the nervous system, and therefore, it becomes easier for women to cope with stress and irritability during menopause.
2. Carbohydrates. Promotes the stimulation of the brain and mental activity.
3. Beta carotene. Helps maintain good looks and youthfulness.
4. Vitamin C. Helps the body increase its resistance to viruses and bacteria.

Ripe mulberries 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 excess menstrual bleeding.

Mulberry berries are widely used in cosmetology:

• white fruits are used for skin whitening;
• 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.

Why is mulberry tree useful for men

Mulberry fruits are indispensable for representatives of the strong half of humanity:

1. Enhances 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. Due to the content of vitamin B1 in berries, it is easier to fall asleep after a hard day's work.
4. The proteins contained in mulberries are excellent building blocks for muscle mass.
5. Due 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.

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

Benefits of mulberry for children's health

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

1. Natural sugars contained in the berry are able to provide 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 diseases of a respiratory nature.
3. Common childhood illnesses, such as dysbiosis and intestinal upset, will go away faster and less painful with berries, thanks to the effect of vitamins and minerals on the digestive tract.
4. If a boy has had mumps, then daily use of silk fruits will simply become necessary to restore sexual functions in the future.
5. Strengthening and enrichment of bone tissue becomes possible due to the high content of calcium and potassium in mulberries.

The benefits and harms of mulberry berries during pregnancy

Taking mulberries during gestation will avoid some discomfort:

1. Eating fresh berries helps prevent viral and colds.
2. Adding a glass of fresh berries to the daily diet will help relieve puffiness.
3. Due to the content of phosphorus in mulberries, an increase in hemoglobin can be achieved and anemia can be avoided.

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

For expectant mothers, despite all the useful properties of the mulberry tree, there are some contraindications to taking berries:

1. Do 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 contain the highest content of nutrients.
3. Before use, silk fruits must be doused with boiling water. This will reduce the risk of infection.
4. Do not eat unripe berries, which can lead to indigestion, poisoning, or bloating.

Medicinal properties of 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:

• tinctures;
• syrups;
• rubbing;
• uzvarov;
• ointments.

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

Mulberry for diabetes

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

With "jumps" in blood sugar, you can use an infusion of leaves - 2 tbsp. l. for 1 tbsp. steep 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.

Useful properties of mulberry for eye disease

Invaluable benefits can be derived from mulberry fruits and leaves 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 the released radicals, which often lead to loss of vision and changes in the retina.

Mulberry foliage, boiled in a water bath, in 30 days of use is able to get rid of "fog" in the eyes, stop lacrimation and get rid of the signs of primary glaucoma. To do this, the infusion must be used in the form of eye drops - 5 drops for each eye before going to bed.

Mulberry from intracranial pressure

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

To prepare the broth you will need:

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

Preparation of the daily allowance:

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 filtered.

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

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

Required Ingredients:

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

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

Cooking use

Silk fruits are also widely used in cooking. You can cook from them:

• 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, the mulberry does not lose its medicinal properties.

Is mulberry possible with 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 the mother and the 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 infants have signs of bloating, colic or allergies, then mulberries should be discarded immediately.

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 rejecting fruit are:

1. Individual intolerance.
2. Propensity for allergic reactions.
3. Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
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 silk 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 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 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 the diet, it is necessary to consult a dietitian.

Glycemic index of mulberry

Mulberry fruits do not lag behind other berries, known for their medicinal 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 mulberry lie in the 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 a specialist before starting to use mulberry for medicinal purposes.

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