White Mulberry Benefits
Morus alba
China
Fruit, leaves
Native to China, the White Mulberry has a history of use stretching far into the annals of history. The Mulberry tree was cultivated by many ancient civilisations for its delicious fruit and medicinal leaves – the leaves most famously being used as food for silkworms, one of China’s most valuable exports.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the White Mulberry is said to act on the meridians of the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs and spleen. It is also traditionally used to treat anaemia, constipation, to prevent colds and flu and as a remedy for greying hair.
White Mulberry Benefits
Heart Health
Mulberries are rich in fibre and contain around 25 percent of the soluble fibre pectin. Pectin fibre can help to protect against free radical damage in the heart and blood vessels and has cholesterol-lowering effects.
White Mulberries are rich in antioxidants, in particular, anthocyanins which have been extensively studied for their cardioprotective effects. In a study published in the “Journal of Nutrition”, the researchers found that the anthocyanins in White Mulberry extract significantly reduced free radical damage resulting in the inhibition of LDL (bad cholesterol) oxidation. Furthermore, the anthocyanin components of White Mulberry were also regarded in the prevention of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Healthy Weight Loss
As well as being a contributory factor to heart disease, obesity can lead to many other life threatening conditions.
A research paper published in the “Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents” took 46 overweight subjects and divided them into two groups. Both groups were given an identical diet of 1300 Kcal per day and one group received 2400mg of White Mulberry extract whilst the other group received a placebo.
After 3 months, the White Mulberry group had lost around 10 percent of their body weight compared to only 3 percent in the placebo group.
The researchers concluded that White Mulberry extract may represent a reliable therapy in the dietetic treatment of obese individuals.
Other studies have found that White Mulberry combined with other plant extracts can suppress the appetite and lower fat levels.
Liver Health
One of the most important elimination organs in the body, the liver plays a vital role in overall vibrant health. It helps to filter out toxins, aids in blood clotting and breaking down fats.
Mulberries have shown promise in various studies to prevent the build up of fat in the liver, preventing the onset of fatty liver disease.
In 2013, the “Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry” published a study showing that the anthocyanins found in White Mulberries prevented fat build up and promoted the clearance of fat from the liver. They concluded that the anthocyanins in this fruit may actively prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Another Taiwanese study published in the same journal had similar findings. They discovered that White Mulberry extract significantly reduced fat accumulation, suppressed fatty acid synthesis and stimulated fatty acid oxidation. They also concluded that White Mulberry extract may be active in the prevention of fatty liver disease.
Immune System
Traditionally used to strengthen the immune system, White Mulberries have been found to contain compounds that increase the activity of macrophages (white blood cells), enhancing the immune system.
Studies have shown that the pyrrole alkaloids found in White Mulberries can significantly activate macrophage activity by enhancing the production of nitric oxide.
Other studies have found that the leaves of the White Mulberry have the potential to modulate immune function. This is the ability to down regulate an overactive immune system or to upregulate a sluggish immune system.
Organic White Mulberries
Sprinkle these delicious berries over muesli, yoghurt, used in baking or eat straight as a healthy snack.
When the Romans invaded Britain, they brought Mulberry trees with them! The leaves were used for medicinal purposes, including to treat diseases of the mouth, trachea and lungs. By the 17th century, people were also using the roots of mulberry trees to get rid of tapeworms.
During Tudor times they became prized throughout Europe for their succulent berries. It is said that Henry VIII had a Mulberry tree planted in his Chelsea estate.
Later, King James I decided that Britain should compete with France in silk making. He brought in ten thousand Mulberry trees to provide food for the silkworms, planting some in a large Mulberry garden near Buckingham Palace. The silkworm project failed because the King bought black Mulberry trees instead off the white ones that silkworms like.
White Mulberries consist of water, carbohydrate, protein, fatty acids, namely linoleic, stearic, and oleic acids and dietary fibre.
None known.
