Dried black mulberries: uses and nutritional benefits

• Anti-oxidant (polyphenol, flavonoid, anthocyanin, resveratrol): numerous studies show the antioxidant activity of black mulberries. This activity is conferred by certain phytonutrients present, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, resveratrols and anthocyanins.

• Anti-inflammatory (flavonoid): Black Mulberries have widely documented anti-inflammatory activity. They are richly composed of flavonoids known to limit the inflammatory process.

• Analgesic : two studies indicate that total flavonoid extracts from Black Mulberries reduce the duration and response to pain.

• Broad spectrum antibacterial : Black Mulberries show a broad-spectrum antibacterial effect, particularly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. On the other hand, the bark and leaves of black mulberry have more powerful antibacterial activity than the fruit.

• Cardiovascular protector (fiber, resveratrol): Black Mulberries are naturally rich in fiber and low in saturated fatty acids. Dietary fiber reduces the absorption of cholesterol. In excess, saturated fatty acids increase cholesterol levels. In addition, resveratrol supports the hypocholesterolemic effect, by limiting the bioavailability of cholesterol. Furthermore, a study claims that black mulberries reduce the development and deterioration of atherosclerosis.

• Hepatoprotective (anthocyanin, flavonoid, phenolic acid): black mulberries influence the levels of liver enzymes: ASAT, ALT and GGT; they also increase the activity of SOD and glutathione peroxidase in the liver. These two antioxidant enzymes protect the liver from oxidative stress. These activities can be attributed to the considerable presence of phenolic compounds.

• Laxative (fiber): black mulberries accelerate intestinal transit. They are rich in fiber, which increases stool bulk and gas production. Factors stimulating the evacuation of stools.

• Blood sugar control (fiber): Black Mulberries have a low to medium glycemic index, thanks to the high concentration of fiber. They help fight against strong variations in blood sugar levels after meals.

• Appetite regulator (fiber): black mulberries promote the feeling of fullness. Indeed, they have a low to medium glycemic index, which harmonizes blood sugar levels. Conversely, large variations in blood sugar levels promote the desire to eat.

• Contributing to energy metabolism (carbohydrate, iron): Black Mulberries have predominantly carbohydrate energy. Carbohydrates represent more than 50% of our body's energy sources. In addition, the high presence of iron contributes to the synthesis of ATP (energy) from macronutrients.

• Antianemic (iron): iron is essential for the formation and function of red blood cells. In its absence, disorders in the production and functioning of red blood cells are inevitable.

• Anti-fatigue (iron): black mulberries contribute to the daily intake of iron. Iron is known to reduce fatigue.

• Immunomodulating (iron): thanks to iron, black mulberries participate in the functioning of the immune system. Iron promotes the formation of reactive oxygen species that help fight pathogens.

• Participant in tissue growth (iron): Black Mulberries are vectors of iron. Iron participates in the process of cell division: a process that allows the body's tissues to grow.

• Mental tonic (iron): Black Mulberries fight against iron deficiency. Iron deficiency reduces intellectual abilities.

• Antifungal : the aqueous and methanolic extracts of black mulberries inhibit the development of candidiasis. This antifungal power has been demonstrated on candidiasis albicans, parapsilosis, tropicalis, And Geotricum candidum.

• Digestive protector : a study shows that the methanolic extracts of black mulberries protect the gastric mucous membranes.

• Cardiac regulator : a study carried out on frogs observed a significant drop in heart rate without affecting the force of contraction of the heart, when the latter were treated with black mulberry fruit extracts.

The mulberry is a plant of the Moraceae family. It is a fast-growing shrub that quickly reaches 3 to 10 m in height. Its gray bark contains a whitish latex. The leaves are green, oval and shiny. Catkins (flowers) are fluffy and green. After fertilization, the catkins give way to fruits, blackberries. Blackberries are small globular fruits whose color varies depending on the species. Three main species are recognized: the white mulberry (Morus alba L.), the black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) and the red mulberry (Morus rubra L.).

The tree is native to China, Korea and Japan (where it is known as Sangshu) but is now grown throughout Europe. Mulberry leaves have been used as a remedy since ancient times. According to Chinese medicine, they are effective in preventing and treating many pathologies: fever, sore throat, cough, liver problems, vision problems, kidney problems, high blood pressure, etc. In Korea and Japan, diabetic patients consume mulberry leaves as a supplement to antidiabetic treatments. The antidiabetic activity of mulberry leaves is also the most intensely studied subject, because its effectiveness is real. The bark, twigs and roots are also found in Chinese pharmacopoeia.

In Europe, it is rather the fruit that justifies the cultivation of mulberry trees. Currently, China is the largest producer of mulberry.

White Mulberries have many health benefits, like Black Mulberries. Although these two varieties belong to the same genus, they are very different.

The biggest difference is from an organoleptic point of view: white blackberries have less intense flavors and a mild, slightly biscuity taste; black blackberries are more intense, tart and tart.

On the nutritional side, the differences are smaller: white Mulberries provide more fiber, lipids and carbohydrates compared to black Mulberries. On the other hand, black mulberries are slightly richer in protein and lower in calories. In terms of micronutrients, black mulberries have stronger antioxidant activity than white mulberries. Indeed, a study shows that black mulberries contain slightly more polyphenols.

If your choice must be based on antioxidant activity, we advise you to opt for black mulberries. Conversely, if it is for their energizing and stimulating effect on intestinal transit, we recommend white mulberries. Otherwise, only your taste preferences will guide you. For those who are more undecided, how about combining them?