Do You Remember Mulberries?
We all remember how irresistible it was to pick sweet mulberries and eat them until our hands and teeth turned purple. But what happened to this fruit, and why do we so rarely see it in markets and grocery stores today? Somewhat unfairly forgotten, mulberries remain a highly nutritious treat, rich in antioxidants, including anthocyanin, which is responsible for the deep red or purple color of many fruits and vegetables.
Mulberry, also known as Morus, is a genus of perennial deciduous trees and shrubs belonging to the Moraceae family. This genus includes 10 to 16 species, widely distributed across the temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with the majority of species originating from Asia.
These plants can be either monoecious or dioecious. Their leaves are simple and alternately arranged. The flowers are unisexual and grouped in dense catkins, with male inflorescences being elongated and female ones rounder. The fruits are tightly fused on a common axis, forming compound fruit clusters (mulberries) that are edible.
In Serbia, white and black mulberries are the most commonly grown varieties. Besides being consumed as fruit and used for making brandy (dudovača), the leaves of the white mulberry serve as food for silkworm larvae.
Nutritional Composition
Mulberries are rich in beta-carotene, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, B-complex vitamins, and vitamins A, C, and K. They are also known for containing resveratrol, a compound with antioxidant properties that is being studied for its potential benefits in combating various diseases and slowing down the aging process.
Health Benefits
The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in mulberries offer numerous health advantages. For example, flavonoids in mulberries help combat free radicals, reducing oxidative stress. This is important because oxidative stress can negatively impact various aspects of physical, cognitive, and even emotional health.
Why This Superfruit Deserves a Place on Our Table?
Consuming mulberries offers numerous health benefits, thanks to their rich nutritional profile and medicinal properties. One of the most important advantages is their ability to help regulate blood sugar levels. Research has shown that mulberry extract can contribute to lowering blood sugar, making it beneficial for those dealing with insulin resistance or diabetes.
In addition, mulberries positively impact heart health. Due to their high antioxidant content, they help reduce bad cholesterol and prevent blood clot formation, thus lowering the risk of heart disease. Their fibrous structure also contributes to digestive health by regulating digestion and preventing issues like constipation.
Another significant benefit of mulberries is their anti-inflammatory effect. Studies have shown that consuming this fruit can reduce inflammatory processes in the body, which is especially important for those suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, the antioxidants found in mulberries play a crucial role in protecting the brain, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and slowing down the aging process.
Regular consumption of mulberries can contribute to overall health, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the risk of various diseases, making them an exceptionally valuable addition to your diet.
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