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Mulberry is a well-known and highly valued plant. Its characteristic white fruits are distinguished not only by their excellent flavor but also by their high content of health-promoting nutrients. For years, it has been subjected to various studies to assess its effects on the human body. White mulberry is the best-known variety of this plant, but it should be noted that there are many more. However, this does not change the fact that it is the most researched and, moreover, the most widely available. What can the white mulberry offer us and why is it worth using? We invite you to read on.
White Mulberry – the most important information
The white mulberry, like its other varieties, belongs to the mulberry family. There are nearly 150 varieties, the most popular of which are white, black, and red mulberry. These are small trees that originally came from what is now China. They then spread practically all over the world. Mulberries have been found in Poland since the beginning of the 11th century. Interestingly, in our country, there are practically only white mulberries. It has been used for centuries as an important component of folk and herbal medicine. The extract from the leaves of this plant, as well as from its characteristic fruits, is particularly valuable. In Chinese medicine, for example, it has been used to lower blood pressure or reduce high cholesterol. There are known cases of the use of mulberry bark. It has been used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, as well as in the treatment of liver and kidney diseases.
The nutritional content of the white mulberry
The most commonly used parts of the white mulberry in herbal medicine are the leaves and fruit. Most of the fruit is available in dried form. 100 grams contains almost 83 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of protein, 3 grams of fat, and 7 grams of fiber. They are also rich in vitamin C, as well as B vitamins and various minerals, such as calcium, potassium, copper, manganese, and zinc. Mulberry fruits also contain many antioxidants that help our body fight free radicals. Interestingly, despite its low protein content, it can be a good source of these macronutrients. This is because it contains exogenous amino acids (methionine, leucine, threonine, arginine). Our bodies are unable to synthesize them, and they must be regularly supplied with food.
White rambutan leaves are a rich source of polyphenol compounds, most of which are flavonoids. They exhibit powerful antioxidant properties. They also contain vitamin C, beta-carotene, folic acid, and other mineral salts. The leaves are particularly rich in iron, calcium, and magnesium. However, their most valuable compounds are undoubtedly alkaloids and substances with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
White mulberry and diabetes
White mulberry can be used successfully by diabetics. This is because it contains many substances that influence the body's carbohydrate metabolism. One of these chemical compounds is an alkaloid called DNJ and its derivatives. It is found only in mulberry leaves and has a rather interesting effect. It significantly slows the breakdown of starch contained in food into simple sugars. This prevents large fluctuations in blood sugar levels and thus prevents the occurrence of postprandial hyperglycemia. Quercetin is also worth mentioning. It is a flavonoid that positively influences sugar metabolism in our body. It can block the action of aldose reductase. This enzyme is so important because it contributes to the excessive production of sorbitol from glucose. This can lead to diseases of the nervous system, eyes, and kidneys. People with elevated blood sugar levels are particularly at risk from this chemical reaction. The higher the glucose level, the more sorbitol is synthesized.
The effect of white mulberry preparations on blood cholesterol levels
Atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases are a scourge of our time. White mulberry can help us fight excess cholesterol in the blood thanks to its powerful antioxidant properties. It inhibits the oxidation of bad LDL cholesterol and reduces its deposition in the blood vessel walls, thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation. This property of mulberry has been confirmed by numerous scientific studies. One of them was conducted on mice. They were fed standard diet, but 1% of their weight consisted of mulberry leaf powder. There was a significant increase in the oxidation time of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and a reduction in atherosclerotic damage in their aorta. It is also worth mentioning that similar studies have been conducted in Asia. However, in this case, they were conducted on rabbits and humans. It has been confirmed that the extract of this plant can indeed lead to a reduction in the likelihood of this disease in both animals and humans.
Does white mulberry help with nervous system diseases?
The leaves and fruits of the white mulberry have a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system. Extract from the leaves of this plant can be used as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy for Alzheimer's disease. It inhibits and limits the formation of beta-amyloid proteins. These proteins have a highly toxic effect on the brain, but also on the entire nervous system. This can also reduce the risk of contracting this disease. Furthermore, it has been shown that compounds not only found in mulberry leaves can have such an effect. The cyanidins found in the fruit can have a protective effect on the brain endothelium, preventing its damage and also reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
White mulberry and weight loss
Obesity is a disease and must be treated like any other. It is dangerous to our health for many reasons and brings with it various complications. White mulberry has been extensively tested, including for its effect on our metabolism. Researchers conducted a 32-day study on mice with diet-induced obesity. During this time, they administered mulberry leaf extract, which led to a significant reduction in the animals' body weight. Admittedly, there is no evidence that mulberry has the same effect on the human body. Nevertheless, the results of these studies are promising. However, keep in mind that these types of extracts cannot reduce our body weight alone. We should consider them as a supplement, and the key to this is a proper diet and physical activity.
White mulberry against bacteria and viruses
Substances found in mulberry leaves—especially flavonoids—have potent antibacterial and antiviral properties. They are particularly effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and Shigella dysenteriae, which cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Interestingly, alkaloids found in both the leaves and bark of the mulberry can inhibit HIV reverse transcriptase. This makes them a valuable adjunct to pharmacotherapy.
Does white mulberry have anti-cancer effects?
Lifestyle diseases are among the most common chronic illnesses today. Cancer definitely falls into this category. Studies have been conducted to determine whether white mulberries have anti-carcinogenic properties. It has been shown that the methanol extract from the leaves of this plant, as well as its other fractions, can help inhibit excessive nitric oxide production. This is important because this oxide can cause tissue damage, leading to an increased risk of cancer. Research into this property of mulberries is still ongoing, but it is very promising. The high antioxidant content is also important here, because free radicals can also cause cancer.
White mulberry – contraindications for use
White mulberry is a very safe plant, but there are certain situations where its use is not particularly recommended. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it. Allergy sufferers should also be careful, as mulberry can trigger an autoimmune reaction. However, due to its effect on carbohydrate metabolism and its ability to lower blood sugar levels, diabetics are advised to use it only under medical supervision. Excessive consumption of mulberry fruit or leaf-based preparations may cause side effects. These include diarrhea, dizziness, abdominal pain, and constipation.
Summary
White mulberry is not only a delicious fruit but also a source of many health-promoting properties. It can be used in dried form, but also in the form of various extracts. People looking to lower LDL cholesterol and blood sugar will certainly benefit from its benefits. It can also be used to prevent neurodegenerative diseases or simply as a tasty snack. It's important not to overdo the amount in your diet, as side effects may occur.
