Mulberry is a fruit formed in the silk tree, and is sweet to taste. But this fruit also has side effects. It is known as ‘Shahtuta’ in Hindi. It is known for its health benefits and medicinal benefits. However, it can also cause allergic conditions and some side effects. First of all, let us see what are the health benefits of mulberry.
Benefits and Uses of Mulberry:
- Mulberries are low in calories and are also known for their anti-carcinogenic properties. They are also rich in resveratrol. This is a phytonutrient that can prevent cancer.
- Mulberries are rich sources of nutrients like Vitamin E, Vitamin A, iron, magnesium, manganese, iron and potassium.
- Mulberries are very effective for fighting arthritis, hypertension, diabetes and constipation.
- Mulberries are good for improving the circulation of blood and are also good anti-inflammatory agents that help in lowering blood pressure. They also reduce the chances of blood clotting and strokes. People suffering from anaemia get some relief by drinking mulberry juice regularly.
- Mulberry is good for cleansing the blood, and for improving the circulation of blood in the body. It can also sooth and calm the nerves and promote the metabolism of alcohol.
- Vitamin C and flavonoids in mulberry can boost the immune system of the body and prevent flu, cold, cough and other ailments.
- Post-operative patients benefit a lot by consuming mulberry as it can speed up the healing process, improve the blood circulation and prevent infection.
- Compounds present in mulberry have the ability to control the blood sugar in people suffering from diabetes. The presence of flavonoids in mulberry can prevent the rise and fall of the sugar levels in diabetic patients.
- Consuming mulberry regularly can improve the functioning of the digestive system and enhance appetite.
- You can improve your vision by consuming a glass of mulberry juice regularly. This is because it is rich in Vitamin A, which is very beneficial for improving the eye sight and for getting you relief from eye strain. So, it is very effective for people who spent hours in front of the computer. It also has the power to protect your eyes from the activities of free radicals, which can cause loss of eye sight and degeneration of retina.
Side Effects of Mulberry:
Blood sugar effects:
The American Diabetes Association conducted tests on 20 humans by ingesting mulberry extract and sucrose to see how it affects the blood sugar usage in them. Ten of the twenty people were non-diabetic and the others were type 2 diabetics who took oral medicines. After eating sugar, both were diagnosed with a reduction initial glucose levels.
The reason for this drop was the presence of a compound called 1-deoxynojirimycin, DNJ. Taking alpha glycosidase inhibitors like acarbose and mulberry extract help in increasing the effects of these drugs. It leads to a sudden drop in blood sugar levels. This adverse effect of mulberry can upset the blood sugar balance in your body and cause health issues.
Carbohydrate absorption:
Mulberry is also known to prevent the absorption of carbohydrates. Mulberry can hinder triacylglycerol and carbohydrate absorption because they are able to prevent alpha amylase, alpha glucose, pancreatic lipase and sodium-glucose transports.
Effects on kidneys:
Mulberries are known to be rich sources of potassium. Potassium can cause complications in people suffering from kidney disorders as well as for those who suffer from gall bladder pains. Although potassium is beneficial for the body and has lots of health benefits, you should avoid consuming mulberry if you are suffering from kidney problems or gall bladder issues. If you have kidney stones or any other disorder, you should avoid mulberries. Even mulberry tea should be avoided.
Interferes with chemotherapy:
Nihon University in Tokyo has made research on mulberry and has observed that albanol A, a substance that is extracted from the bark of mulberry roots, can promote cell apoptosis leukemia cells. This is a good thing, but patients undergoing chemotherapy should avoid mulberry extracts due to this reason, unless specially specified by the doctor. In such patients, mulberry extracts should not be ingested without the approval of the physician. It should also be done under the supervision of the doctor.
Low blood sugar:
We use mulberry in a lot of recipes. They are known for their ability to lower the blood sugar. This can lead to hypoglycaemia. This is a condition that can lead to hunger, blurred vision, headache, dizziness, excessive sweat, confusion and tremors. So, remember to eat mulberry with some caution, so that you do not suffer from this condition.
Skin cancer risk:
This is one of the most dangerous side effects of mulberry extract. Many skin care products contain mulberry extract. Mulberry is known to contain arbutin, which is a compound that helps in skin lightening, so that your skin appears fairer. Arbutin can prevent the release of melanin by containing the tyrosinase enzyme.
According to study made by French researchers in 2010, hydroquinone can be the direct cause of cell carcinoma. The carcinogenic side effects of hydroquinone have been studied in animals. Arbutin is a milder form of hydroquinone. But it can still cause skin cancer. So, check whether your skin lightening product contains mulberry extract. If you find it is there, avoid using it as you will be at the risk of contracting cancer.
So, now that you have seen some of the side effects of mulberry, consume it wisely. If you are on a mulberry fruit diet, reconsider the benefits and side effects of this fruit and choose accordingly. It has many side effects that can be very irritating.
