Benefits of Mulberry for Skin, Hair & Health

Overview

Many tree varieties widely cultivated throughout India offers significant benefits. Their products are not only beneficial for the stomach but also for the skin. One such tree is mulberry. 

Mulberries are vibrant berries, whether dried or fresh and are packed with vitamins, minerals and iron that can help maintain skin and bone health.

Mulberry extracts have been hailed as a natural anti-ageing product that helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles. Resveratrol is produced in the body with the help of antioxidants. This functions as a shield from wrinkles and other age-related skin damage occurring as a result of UV rays and free radicals. 

While age spots and blemishes can be rather noticeable on our faces, mulberries aim to defend against them and minimise their occurrence, which can help keep the skin healthy and lighten pigmentation.

Mulberry 

Mulberries are known for their taste and as healthy berries. The Morus Alba tree yields mulberries. It is a naturally sweet fruit with a blackberry-like appearance and grapefruit-like flavour. 

Mulberry is cultivated in warm areas of Asia, Africa and America and grows on trees. Mulberries come in several varieties, including red, black and blue fruit. Mulberry fruit is usually consumed in the dried form.

The leaves of the mulberry tree grow in bunches called drupes and are provided as food for silkworms. Mulberries ripen before reaching full maturity. 

The mulberry’s structure is similar to the blackberry. They have a grapefruit-like flavour. They taste delicious and can be consumed dry.

Mulberries, also called Shahtoot, are loaded with beneficial minerals, polyphenols, anthocyanins and other antioxidants like other berries. They assist in enhancing the skin, hair and general wellness in addition to protecting the body from the damaging effects of free radicals.

Types of Mulberry 

On the basis of their colours, mulberries are split into three different species. These three types of mulberry are black, white and red.

• Black mulberry – They are also referred to as Morus nigra. Black mulberry is mostly grown in the southwest Asian regions.

• White mulberry – It is also known as Morus alba scientifically. They are mostly grown in China and are frequently bred to produce silkworms.

• Red mulberry – Its scientific name is Morus rubra. Often known as American mulberries, these are indigenous to the eastern United States.

Some popular mulberry types include Collier, Riviera, Tatarica, Linois Everbearing and others that are known for their sweet flavours.

Nutrition 

The nutritional value of mulberries per 100 g of fruit is as follows.

• Energy – 43 Kcal
• Carbohydrate – 9.8 g
• Protein – 1.44 g
• Fat – 0.39 g
• Fibre – 1.7 g
• Sugar – 8.1 g
• Iron – 1.95 mg
• Calcium – 39 mg
• Water – 87.68 g.

Mulberry benefits for health

Cure for certain diseases

The abundant anthocyanin found in the mulberry is employed as a natural food colourant and has healing effects for some diseases. 

Resveratrol, a vital phytonutrient that mulberries are rich in, helps prevent cancer. It has a high concentration of antioxidants, slowing the growth of tumour and prostate cells. 

Mulberries are suitable as an anti-inflammatory that helps to lower blood pressure and makes a person less prone to blood clots and strokes. Mulberries are also known to promote blood circulation.

Mulberry juice can help with some of the symptoms of people with anaemia. They additionally aid in the prevention of cardiac problems.

Lowers cholesterol

Consuming mulberries regularly is a healthy way to reduce the body’s cholesterol levels, which helps to prevent cardiovascular issues.

Control blood sugar levels.

Specifically, white mulberries help in controlling the body’s blood sugar levels. White mulberries contain compounds similar to medicines used to treat type 2 Diabetes.

These components in white mulberries help maintain the body’s sugar levels within an ideal range by allowing the sugars to be taken into the blood gradually and slowly breaking down in the gut.

Cure anaemia

Due to their high iron content, mulberries are excellent for treating anaemia. They also treat anaemia’s side effects, like fatigue and lightheadedness.

Better heart health

Mulberries’ fibre, antioxidant, and flavonoid concentration promote heart health. They aid in ensuring consistent blood flow, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Mulberries are abundant in polyphenols, which are heart-healthy.

It enhances vision

Other benefits of mulberry fruit include boosting vision and protecting the eyes from free radicals that can result in blindness and retinal degeneration. 

The carotenoid zeaxanthin, a component of mulberries, helps lower oxidative stress in the cells that make up our eyes. Moreover, it is thought to shield the retina from UV radiation and free radicals that can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration.

Benefits of mulberry for hair

Anti-ageing benefits

The resveratrol in the mulberries is an antioxidant that helps the skin look young and healthy. They also protect the skin from the damaging effects of sun rays.

It offers all the essential nutrients for the skin, including vitamins A, C and E. Consuming mulberries helps ageing spots look less prominent and maintains smooth skin.

Reduces dark spots

The antioxidants in mulberries prevent or fade skin blemishes. Mulberries assist in controlling the skin’s melanin synthesis, which clears out dark patches naturally. They have antioxidants that hydrate, clear clogged pores and detoxify the skin to keep it looking young and healthy. Mulberries effectively smooth out the skin and give it a natural appearance.

Clears skin 

The components in mulberries help in removing black spots and other skin issues, rendering clear skin. 

Skin rejuvenation 

The melanin production process is efficiently controlled, giving clear, glowing skin. Eating fruit or consuming mulberry tea and juice is advisable to rejuvenate the skin.

Treats skin issues 

The leaves of this tree can be boiled in water for around 30 minutes. This can be used to cure skin issues, colds, sore throats, fevers and other problems.

Treatment for sensitive and dry skin

Dry skin results from a lack of vitamins A and E. Mulberries are a good source of those vitamins and can help dry and sensitive skin. They give the skin internal hydration. Extracts from the mulberry root calm skin irritation.

Soften and brighten the skin

Eating mulberry regularly helps acquire soft and glowing skin as they are loaded with minerals that provide skin elasticity, flexibility and nourishment.

Benefits of mulberry for hair

Rejuvenates hair follicles

Mulberry is known for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. 

The component taken from the fruit rejuvenates the hair follicles, and it is especially beneficial for cancer patients who have had chemotherapy. 

Promotes hair growth 

Mulberry extracts are a safe, natural alternative to chemical or surgical treatments for people who have hair loss. To promote hair growth, one can apply mulberry juice to their hair.

Retains the natural colour of the hair

Mulberries increase the synthesis of melanin in the hair. This can help maintain the natural colour of the hair. This is helpful for those who experience early hair ageing. 

Regularly consuming mulberry juice is beneficial for having good hair. Combining mulberries with several traditional Chinese remedies can avoid early hair greying. Mulberries contain vitamins C and B, iron, calcium, and other essential nutrients for this process.

Mulberry incorporation in the diet 

Mulberry fruit isn’t the only product that can be consumed. It is also possible to prepare the plant’s leaves, bark and stem as food.

The mulberry fruit can be eaten dry and combined with mashed bananas or other dry fruits for an energy snack. It can also be eaten fresh. It is easy to drink as mulberry juice.

To reap the benefits of mulberries, one can also add them to tonics and syrups that are taken regularly.

Mulberry leaf tea can also be made with dried mulberry leaves. As healthy as eating raw mulberries, mulberry tea is also good.

We can prepare tea and other beverages with mulberries and their leaves. In addition, they can be used to produce many mouthwatering pastries as well as excellent pie fillings. 

Mulberries are the most antioxidant-rich berry, making them healthy regardless of their preparation. Not to forget the mulberry smoothies, which have a delicious flavour.

DIY Mulberry face masks 

Glowing skin 

Ingredients

• Mulberry powder – 2 tablespoons
• Honey – 1/2 tablespoon
• Turmeric powder – a pinch
• Aloe vera gel – 1 tablespoon

Procedure

• Prepare a face mask by combining all the ingredients. Apply it evenly on the face and neck. Massage it and let it sit for 20 minutes. 

• Use water to clean the face mask and notice an improvement in the natural radiance of the skin. 

Dry skin 

Ingredients

• Mulberry extract – 2 tablespoon
• Mashed banana – 1 tablespoon
• Aloe vera gel – 1 tablespoon

Procedure

• Mix the three ingredients thoroughly.
• On a clean face and neck, apply the mixture.
• Wash the face after letting the pack dry for 20 minutes.

Anti-ageing 

Ingredients

• Mulberry extract – 2 tablespoon
• Yoghurt – 1 tablespoon
• Cucumber juice – 1/2 tablespoon

Procedure 

• Combine all the ingredients to make a paste.
• Evenly distribute the paste over the face and neck using the fingertips.
• Wash off the face mask after 20 minutes.

Conclusion 

Choosing the right skincare products helps achieve clear skin. Natural ingredients are ideal for the skin. Mulberry is one of these ingredients.

This berry-based fruit is one of the well-liked cosmetic ingredients because it has so many wonderful health and skincare benefits. The list is endless, ranging from controlling blood pressure to addressing hyperpigmentation. Its use and consumption quickly render the desired benefits.

Treat the facial skin with mulberry and notice the skin transformation from bright to glowing! 

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