Mulberries: For Lowering Cholesterol, Blood Sugar, and More

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Mulberries are colorful berries that can be eaten dried or fresh. They are a good source of vitamin C, iron, and several plant compounds and have been associated to lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and cancer risk.

Also, these berries have been used in Chinese herbal medicine for years for the treatment of various illnesses, though evidence to support their effectiveness is weak.

Mulberries have a delicious taste and sweet taste, are loaded with nutrients, and have various potential health benefits, which are all important for building a healthy diet.

Health Benefits of Mulberries:

1. Improve Blood Sugar

People who are suffering from type 2 diabetes are at risk of a rapid rise in blood sugar, and they need to be careful when eating carbs.

Mulberries contain the compound 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), and this which inhibits an enzyme in your gut that breaks down carbs.

Therefore, mulberries may be beneficial against diabetes through slowing down the increase of blood sugar after meals. Studies in humans are needed before any firm conclusions can be reached.

2. Lower Cholesterol

Cholesterol is an essential fatty molecule present in every cell of your body. But, elevated blood cholesterol levels are associated to increased heart disease risk.

Animal studies showed that mulberry extracts and mulberries can reduce excess fat and lower cholesterol levels. Also, they may improve the ratio between HDL (good) and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Also, some test-tube experiments suggest that they reduce the formation of fat in the liver, potentially helping in the prevention of fatty liver disease.

3. Reduce Cancer Risk

Increased stress in your body has been reported to induce oxidative damage in and tissues and cells, which is linked with increased cancer risk.

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For years, mulberries have been part of traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment/remedy against cancer.

Some researchers now believe that these reputed cancer-preventive effects may have a scientific basis.

Animal studies indicate that antioxidants in mulberry juice can help reduce oxidative stress, potentially reducing cancer risk.

Remember that the same applies to vegetables and fruits in general. There is no evidence that suggests that mulberries reduce cancer risk more than other berries or fruits.

Related Articles:

  1. 10 Amazing Health Benefits of Mulberries
  2. Here’s Why You Should Eat Strawberries and Blueberries 3 Times per Week
  3. 7 Powerful Health Benefits of Cherries

Sources:
Healthline
Science Direct

photo credit: pixabay

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