Mulberry Fruit: Meaning, Components and Benefits

mdc.mo.gov
Red Mulberry fruit. (Credit: mdc.mo.gov)

Mulberry fruit is a sweet plant from a genus of deciduous trees that flourishes in different temperate areas. They are made up of a group of drupelets and grown primarily in Asia and North America. It contributes to immense nutritional value and has berries in various colours, namely black, white or red. These get converted for fruit, wine, fruit juice, tea, jam or canned foods, and they can also be undertaken dried after being plucked as a snack. However, one should avoid consuming green berries as they are raw with a different effect.

The scientific name of mulberry depends on the species which one is considering; for instance, various kinds of it are Morus australis (Chinese mulberry), Morus alba (white mulberry), Morus nigra (blackberry) and Morus rubra (red berry) with other delicious varieties.

It comprises 88% water in 60 calorie per cup, i.e. 140 grams, and offers 9.8% carbs, 1.7% fibre, 1.4% protein, 0.4% fat. Fibres assist in regulating the healthy digestive system, lower cholesterol levels, and decrease the threat of numerous diseases.

They are highly rich in vitamins and minerals, especially iron and vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for skin health and other body parts. In contrast, iron is a crucial mineral with numerous functions, namely ferrying oxygen in the body. Vitamin K1, which is also called phylloquinone, helps in cases of blood clotting and bone health. When it comes to Potassium, the mineral could reduce blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. Vitamin E is also a vital part, whereas an antioxidant shields against oxidative issues.

Benefits of Mulberry fruit

  1. Improves digestion: Mulberries consist of dietary fibre, which makes nearly 10% of the daily requirements when served separately. Dietary fibre assists the digestion process by bulking up the stool, accelerating the flow of food through the digestive tract, and lowering bloating, constipation, and cramping. Fibre maintains cholesterol levels and can enhance heart health when taken into consideration by the diet.
  2. Corrects vision: One of the carotenoids discovered in mulberries is zeaxanthin, linked directly to lower oxidative stress on specific ocular cells, comprising the retinal macula lutea. Zeaxanthin runs as an antioxidant and avoids certain damage to the retina and free radicals, leading to macular degeneration and cataracts. Mulberry tea is commonly referred to as improve eyesight.
  3. Improves immunity levels: Vitamin C is a powerful defensive weapon against any illness or foreign pathogens in the body that antioxidants don’t affect or concern them. One could include mulberries to smoothies and salads to boost immunity levels. A single serving of mulberries is approximately the requirement of Vitamin C for the day. It merges with the minerals and vitamins that are there in this fruit. It acts as a genuine weapon against illness. 

Components of Mulberry fruit

  1. Anthocyanins: A cluster of antioxidants that could cause oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol and offers beneficial results against heart disease.
  2. Chlorogenic acid: It is an antioxidant that is adequate in vegetables and fruits.
  3. Cyanidin: The vital anthocyanin in mulberries leads to their red, black, or purple colour. 
  4. Rutin: It is a robust antioxidant that may act as a safeguard against chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease 
  5. Myricetin: It is a compound that may shield against some diseases like cancers.