Mulberries
are the sweet, hanging fruits from a genus of deciduous trees that grow in a
variety of temperate areas around the world. Thought to possibly have
originated in China, they have spread throughout the world and are highly
praised for their unique flavor and impressive composition of nutrients.
Mulberries are filled with nutrients that are important to our body, including
iron, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, phosphorous, and calcium, as well as a significant
amount of dietary fiber and a wide range of organic compounds, including
phytonutrients, zeaxanthin, resveratrol, anthocyanins, lutein, and various
polyphenolic compounds.
The berries
are delicious and ideal for consumption as they contain some unique nutritional
elements that can have various health benefits some of which are:
Increase Circulation: The high levels of iron content in
mulberries can significantly boost the production of red blood cells. This
means that the body will increase its distribution of oxygen to important tissues
and organs, thereby helping to boost metabolism and optimise the functionality
of those systems.
Regulate Blood Pressure: Resveratrol is a very important
flavonoid that directly affects the functioning of certain mechanisms in blood vessels,
primarily making them less prone to damage by angiotensin, which can cause
blood vessel constriction. In fact, resveratrolvincreases the production of nitric oxide, which is a vasodilator, meaning that
it relaxes blood vessels and reduces chances of blood clot formation and subsequent
heart issues like strokes or heart attacks. Resveratrol is found in many
dark-skinned berries including most grapes, which is why this beneficial
antioxidant is also found in wines.
Prevent Cancer: Between the high content of
anthocyanins, vitamin C, vitamin A, and various other polyphenolic and
phytonutrient compounds, mulberries are absolutely packed with antioxidants
which are the main line of defense against free radicals that form a
dangerous by-product of cellular metabolism that can damage healthy cells, causing them
to mutate into cancerous ones. The diverse range of antioxidants found in
mulberries means that they can neutralize these free radicals quickly before
too much damage is done.
Improve Vision: One of the carotenoids found in mulberries
is zeaxanthin, which has been connected directly to a reduction in oxidative
stress on certain ocular cells, including the retinal macula lutea.
Furthermore, zeaxanthin functions as an antioxidant and prevents certain damage
to the retina, including the free radicals that can cause macular degeneration
and cataracts.
Boost Immunity: Vitamin C is a powerful defensive
weapon against any illness or foreign pathogens in the body that antioxidants
don’t take care of. A single serving of mulberries is almost the entire requirement
of vitamin C for the day, but combine that with the minerals and vitamins
present in this fruit, and you have a true weapon against illness. Add a few
mulberries to your morning meal and watch your immune system soar.
Build Healthy Bones: Vitamin K, calcium, and iron, as
well as the trace amounts of phosphorous and magnesium found in mulberries, can
all be beneficial for the creation and maintenance of bone tissue. As we get
older, maintaining strong bones, speeding up the healing process or even
reversing the damage of bone degradation is important to prevent like
osteoporosis or other age-related bone disorders.
Prevent Premature Aging: Mulberries also boast a high level
of vitamin A and vitamin E, along with a range of carotenoid components like lutein,
beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and alpha-carotene. All of these elements act as
antioxidants that specifically affect the skin, tissue, hair, and other areas
of the body where free radicals strike. Mulberries can aid in skin care, reduce
the appearance of blemishes and age spots, and keep hair shiny and healthy by
preventing the oxidative actions of free radicals.
Aid in Digestion: Like the majority of fruits and
vegetables, mulberries contain dietary fiber, which makes approximately 10% of your
daily requirements in a single serving. Dietary fiber can help to improve
digestion by bulking up the stool, thereby speeding up the movement of food
through the digestive tract, while also reducing occurrences of constipation,
bloating, and cramping. Furthermore, fiber helps to regulate cholesterol levels
and can improve heart health when regularly added to diet.
Some
mulberries are very good at lowering blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for
particular people, but also very dangerous for others. Also, there are rare
cases of allergies to mulberry so use them in moderation and monitor your
body’s reaction if you are eating them for the first time.
By Mercy Kukah
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