The benefits of mulberries, sweet, beautiful, and nutritious berries, are appreciated by many in our country. Fresh mulberries cannot be stored for long or transported over great distances, making them a treat for foreign tourists who eagerly sample the juicy fruits of the mulberry tree, which are rare in many parts of the world.
Regardless of the color—black or white—mulberries are equally beneficial and appealing, although they differ in taste and aroma.
Black Mulberries
The mulberry tree with black-purple, tangy-sweet, aromatic fruits is widespread across the Middle East, India, Ukraine, and southern Russia.
In its native regions, black mulberries are called the “king of berries” for their beneficial properties. The mulberry tree, known for its longevity—living hundreds or even thousands of years—has earned the title “tree of life” due to the bioactive compounds in its fruits and the value of its wood.
Black mulberries are used to make pie fillings, various desserts, sweet homemade preserves, and delicious wine. Dried berries serve as a natural sugar substitute, while frozen ones are perfect for compotes in winter.
Family gatherings are often held under the expansive canopy of a mulberry tree, symbolizing respect for elders and the value of hard work.
White Mulberries
White mulberries originate from China, where they have long been associated with the imperial court, as the leaves of the mulberry tree are the sole food for silkworm caterpillars, enabling the production of natural silk.
White mulberries differ from black not only in fruit color but also in bark, which is much lighter. The fruits can range from white to pink, purple, and even black. They are less aromatic but sweeter and more widely available globally, as white mulberries are frost-resistant and can grow in cooler climates.
Benefits of Mulberries
Ancient Chinese sages regarded mulberries as essential for restoring Qi energy. The renowned Avicenna recommended mulberry fruits to elderly patients to enhance vitality and longevity. Modern scientists and physicians continue to study and confirm the health benefits of mulberries.
Nutritional composition of mulberries:
- Vitamins: Ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, vitamin K, B vitamins;
- Minerals: Potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, zinc;
- Sugars: Fructose and glucose;
- Organic acids: Citric, malic;
- Fiber: Pectin;
- Essential oils;
- Flavonoids.
Mulberries are low in calories, with 43-50 kcal per 100 g.
In traditional medicine, the entire mulberry tree is utilized—fruits, leaves, roots, and bark. Both white and black mulberries offer health benefits.
Mulberries are beneficial for:
- Heart disease;
- Metabolic disorders;
- Dysbiosis and constipation;
- Liver and kidney conditions;
- Boosting hemoglobin levels.
Mulberry juice has long been used to treat skin ulcers and wounds, oral and throat tumors, coughs, and exhaustion.
A decoction of mulberry roots and leaves serves as an effective supplementary remedy for reducing blood sugar in mild diabetes cases. Mulberry leaves are also helpful for addressing vitamin deficiencies. A bark decoction of white and black mulberries is used for pneumonia and bronchitis. The mulberry tree root can aid in managing hypertension.
Potential Harms of Mulberries
Mulberries are high in natural sugars, making them unsuitable for excessive consumption by those with diabetes. As with any food, they may cause allergic reactions in individuals with specific intolerances.
Fresh mulberries should not be consumed with other foods, especially milk or cold water, as this can lead to bloating or digestive upset.
Enjoy mulberries in moderation, as their vibrant colors and natural sweetness can enhance well-being and uplift your mood.