If there’s one drink that has been touted as one of the most beneficial drinks - it’s tea. People have consumed tea for thousands of years and have believed it has many health benefits. In ancient times, tea was considered a medicine and a cure-all. From improving mental clarity to boosting concentration - tea has been a reliable companion through centuries. Not just that, tea has been treated as a medicinal drink as well. And rightly so, because a specific kind of tea has been found to contain 22 times more calcium than cow’s milk!
It’s the Black Mulberry Tea.
What is Black Mulberry Tea?
Black mulberry tea is a beverage made from the dried leaves of the black mulberry tree, Afromorus mesozygia. The leaves are cut or chopped, roasted, and then dried with hot air.
The black mulberry tree is a small to medium-sized forest tree in Tropical Africa. It is also known as the African mulberry. Mulberry tea is made from the leaves of the mulberry tree. The leaves are processed into dry leaves or powder for brewing. The level of oxidation in the tea leaves determines the color of the tea. Fully oxidized leaves produce black tea, while low-oxidized leaves produce green tea.
Black mulberry tea is a traditional Asian brew prepared from the leaves of ‘Morus nigra’, which is known as black mulberry. It is a species of flowering plant in the family Moraceae that is native to southwestern Asia, where it has been cultivated for so long that its precise natural range is unknown. The black mulberry is known for its large number of chromosomes and could be a surprising source of calcium.
Now, when we think of calcium, what is the first picture that comes into our mind?
It’s a glass of milk!
Dairy products and certain fish like salmon, trout, and tuna are known to be the most widely known natural sources of calcium.
Calcium is particularly important for conditions like osteoporosis, which weakens bones and is common in older people. To fight it, increased amounts of calcium and phosphate are needed. While a glass of milk can help, gulping down a cup of black mulberry tea might be an even better choice - offering up to 22 times more calcium!
Sounds unbelievable?
The Japanese Ministry of Health conducted a study showing its impressive calcium content compared to dairy, specifically for osteoporosis cases.
Benefits of black mulberry tea:
Black mulberry tea, made from Morus nigra or black mulberry leaves, has long been used in traditional Asian medicine. This particular brew boasts a plethora of benefits as well, like - it helps control blood sugar levels, bolsters the immune system, aids in healthier aging (thanks to its antioxidants), enhances heart health, and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. The following are the instances of its many potential health benefits:
Blood sugar management: Mulberry tea can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
Cholesterol control: Mulberry tea can help lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol.
Heart health: Mulberry tea can help prevent heart disease by reducing the oxidation of fat cells.
Blood pressure: Mulberry tea can help lower blood pressure by reducing the production of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).
Anti-inflammatory: Mulberry tea can help fight free radicals and stimulate the release of defense cells.
Antimicrobial: Mulberry tea contains anthocyanins and tannins, which are compounds with antimicrobial action.
Skin health: Mulberries can help defend against age spots and blemishes, and lighten pigmentation.
Hair health: Mulberry juice can help boost melanin production in your hair, restoring your natural hair color and preventing premature greying.
Weight loss: Mulberry tea may help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce fat absorption.
Diarrhea: Mulberry tea can treat diarrhea because it contains bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and astringent action.
Metabolic disease: Mulberry leaf can be used to prevent and alleviate metabolic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases.
Although, black mulberry has been used in traditional medicine for a long time. It has many positive neurological and biological effects too. Black mulberry tea can cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, bloating, and constipation. It can also lower blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely. Consult a healthcare professional before using mulberry leaves, especially if you are taking other medications or have any existing health conditions. Moreover, children and pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using mulberry leaves.
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