Itz Holistically Wholesome

Whenever I think of mulberries, the nursery rhymes “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush” and “All Around the Mulberry Bush” comes to mind,” comes to mind. The lyrics are also pretty catchy; I will post the videos at the end just in case you are unfamiliar with it.

How I learned about Mulberries

Several years ago, I was on a bus in the Bronx when I noticed a lady of Asian descent under a tree picking, eating, and filling a bag with whatever was on the tree. After seeing the same lady on several occasions, I became inquisitive, so one day, I walked over to the very spot and noticed a large tree loaded with small fruits resembling blackberries but smaller. Of course, I did not dare try it at the time. Fast forward three years later, I was now living in Brooklyn when I visited a friend, and right across the street was another lady of Asian descent picking from a nearby tree. After she left, I walked over to the tree, which was the same-looking fruit. Though I was 30-plus weeks pregnant then, I decided to try it, and to my amazement, it tasted sweet and delicious. I then checked and discovered that wild fruits are edible and very nutritious, so I started picking and eating them whenever I passed a tree. A word of caution, though, not all wild fruits are edible, so exercise care. Nevertheless, I called them wild blackberries, shared my knowledge with those who would listen, and even encouraged them to try it. Interestingly, after posting about them on my Instagram, I only recently learned it is called Mulberry.

Why Eat Mulberries?

1. Helps Sweet tooth

Mulberries are wild berries with a wonderfully sweet flavor. They also serve as a beautiful snack, sweet enough to replace treats loaded with added sugars. In addition, they contain lots of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which provide numerous health benefits. 

2. Healthy Heart

A diet rich in mulberries may limit cholesterol, reducing the potential for atherosclerosis when an unhealthy amount of plaque builds up on artery walls.

3. Brain Health

Mulberries contain high levels of flavonoids. These compounds may hold significant benefits for long-term brain health, such as reducing the likelihood of e cognitive decline, which may lead to mental diseases and disorders. 

4. Promotes Eye Health

Mulberries are high in vitamin C. A diet rich in vitamin C can limit the risk of developing several types of cancer. Also, vitamin C helps produce collagen, which provides the structure for many body parts, including skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Therefore, adequate intake of vitamin C is critical for bone health. One cup of mulberries is said to contain 51 milligrams of Vitamin C.

5. May Prevent Chronic Disease

Mulberries are also rich in phenolic acids, which can play a role in cancer prevention and diabetes management. 

So next time you are in the park or otherwise out in nature, try this delicious and healthy fruit after verifying that it is mulberry.