Mulberry

Figure 1. An image of the Mulberry tree and Mulberry fruit.

Mulberry plants are flowering plants in the genus Morus belonging to the family Moraceae. They consist of more than 60 diverse species of deciduous trees commonly known as Mulberries, growing wild and under cultivation in many temperate world regions. Of these species, the white (Morus Alba), red (Morus Rubra), and black (Morus Nigra) Mulberries are the most well known.

Mulberries are a nutritious food source, particularly as a source for Vitamin C. Per 100g of Mulberries provide:

• 43k calories
• 9.8g of carbohydrates
• 1.7g of dietary fiber
• 0.39g of fat
• 1.44g of protein
• 3% daily value of Vitamin B1
• 8% daily value of Vitamin B2
• 4% daily value of Vitamin B3
• 4% daily value of Vitamin B6
• 2% daily value of Vitamin B9
• 44% daily value of Vitamin C
• 6% daily value of Vitamin E
• 7% daily value of Vitamin K
• 4% daily value of Calcium
• 14% daily value of Iron
• 5% daily value of Magnesium
• 5% daily value of Phosporous
• 4% daily value of Potassium
• 1% daily value of Sodium
• 1% daily value of Zinc

Mulberries are rich in plant compounds, such as anthocyanins, cyanidin, chlorogenic acid, rutin, and myricetin, that contribute to their colour and beneficial health effects. Taken as a dietary supplement, Mulberry is often promoted as a source of antioxidants, to lower cholesterol levels, and improve blood sugar control (Mulberries contain a compound which slows down the breaking down of carbohydrates in the gut). Mulberry is also promoted to help with constipation, symptoms of menopause, runny nose, and the common cold but there is insufficient scientific evidence presently to conclusively support these applications of Mulberry.