Mulberry fruit is a large, dark-colored, slightly sour fruit with an aromatic scent and edible skin. The pulp of the fruit has a high medicinal value and provides an excellent source of vitamin C. It has been used as a medicinal treatment in China for thousands of years. Here are some of the benefits of eating mulberries on a regular basis:
*vitamin C: The vitamin C found in Mulberries may help prevent heart disease and protect the body from cancers of the digestive tract, depending on how much is eaten. It is believed to have antioxidant and antiseptic properties, which may help prevent bacterial infections of the stomach and intestinal tract and thus may prevent ulcers. Several health benefits of this superfood include boosting immune function, lowering cholesterol, and increasing circulation. Some preliminary studies suggest that the bioactive compounds found in Mulberries may reduce cholesterol levels, prevent clots from forming in blood vessels, prevent atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), stimulate cell growth and improve the immune system. These benefits are currently being studied further.
- vitamin D: The sunflower seeds contain a form of vitamin D and some nuts and seeds contain even more vitamin D. Because of its excellent source of vitamin C, it is naturally high in vitamin D. However, it is best to eat several small, dark red white mulberry fruit servings a day rather than taking vitamin D supplements on a regular basis. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin D is 400 international units per kilogram of body weight per day. Eating several good quality vitamin D-rich foods like salmon, milk, eggs, and walnuts is the most effective way to meet the recommended daily allowance.
- beta carotene: Milk, nuts, and seeds of the red mulberry are rich in beta carotene, a highly concentrated form of vitamin A. In addition, the deep red mulberry has a high level of flavonoids. Flavonoids are thought to have healthful antioxidant properties. Some preliminary evidence suggests that beta carotene may have antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- birch pollen allergy: Some people may be allergic to some forms of pollen. Since the leaves of the mulberry fruit are packed with many plant pollens, it is not uncommon for allergic reactions to occur. In some cases, the reaction is mild at first but becomes moderate over time. This could be because of cross-reactivity to pollen that is already present in the plants of the mulberry garden. If you suspect that you are allergic to birch pollen, make sure that you remove the plants from your garden before you begin using the mulberry fruit or drink the tea. Cross-reactivity to plants that normally cause an allergic reaction is very likely if you are sensitive to specific types of plants.
As with all allergies, the Mulberry Fruit may have an allergic reaction in some individuals but has shown to be generally safe when consumed. In most cases, allergic reactions are simply not severe. However, if you are experiencing symptoms such as runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing or coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, make sure that you contact your doctor right away. It’s also important to note that although the Mulberry has been used in traditional Chinese medicine, Western conventional medicine has not embraced the fruit for its medicinal purposes. There have been no reported cases of fatal allergic reactions.