Herbs as medicine (Mulberry Leaves) Mulberry Leaves as Medicine - Nutritionist's Column Vol. 14

Medicinal herbs - mulberry leaves -

It's the end of March and spring is starting to feel. There are warm days and still chilly days, so it's time to take care of your health. I'm sure many people are also suffering from hay fever.
This time, I would like to write about "mulberry leaves" and "moringa."

These two ingredients are also found in GRØN's protein blend, Matcha All-Stars .

The raw materials for Matcha All-Stars are mulberry leaves from Okinawa's Shimaguwa mulberry, which are said to be highly nutritious.
The moringa we use is grown in India in an environment close to its natural habitat.
Both are grown without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

About Mulberry Leaves

What are Mulberry Leaves?

Mulberry leaves are known as food for silkworms.
Silkworms feed only on mulberry leaves and produce beautiful silk threads. In the past, sericulture was popular in Japan and there were many mulberry fields, but in recent years the number of mulberry fields has decreased significantly.

Although mulberry fields are becoming less common, you can still see them growing wild in mountain forests. Mulberry leaves are packed with nutrients.

"Mulberry leaves" in Chinese medicine

In fact, mulberry leaves have been used not only in the sericulture industry, but also in traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times, and have been incorporated into our daily lives as an essential ingredient for our health, for example, as a cough suppressant, diuretic, to prevent diabetes and arteriosclerosis, and to promote blood circulation.

Mulberry leaves as a superfood

Mulberry fruits have long been drunk as a medicinal tea, but today they are also known as "mulberries" and can be eaten in a variety of ways, not just as tea, but also as a powder that can be kneaded into cakes and breads.

Mulberry leaves have been used as a traditional Chinese medicine. Recently, research has progressed and it has become clear that they can be expected to have various effects.

1. Prevents diabetes

Research has shown that 1-deoxynojirimycin, a component unique to mulberry leaves, suppresses the rise in blood sugar levels after meals and does not cause hypoglycemia even when taken continuously over a long period of time.

2. Improve your mind and body

Mulberry leaves contain 25 times the calcium of milk, 15 times the iron of komatsuna, and 20 times the dietary fiber of green tea.
>Calcium...Prevents osteoporosis and relieves irritability
>Iron...helps improve anemia and fatigue
> Dietary fiber: Relieves constipation, improves intestinal environment, and helps regulate the intestines

3. Prevent obesity and lifestyle-related diseases

It is rich in polyphenols, which are antioxidants that help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
It also has the effect of suppressing fat absorption and preventing a sudden rise in blood sugar levels, so it is expected to help prevent obesity, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, and other conditions.

4. Detoxifying effects

It is rich in potassium and chlorophyll, which promote the excretion of excess substances accumulated in the body.
> Potassium: One of the minerals that regulates the body's water balance and enhances the body's ability to excrete unnecessary water and salt. It helps to excrete excess water from the body.
>Chlorophyll...It helps remove harmful substances that have accumulated in the small intestine, preventing cell aging and helping to prevent lifestyle-related diseases.

5. Reduce stress

It is rich in GABA, an ingredient that has attracted attention for its ability to calm excited nerves and inhibit dopamine, resulting in a strong anti-stress effect.

6. Anti-aging effects

It is rich in rutin, a type of polyphenol with high antioxidant properties that prevents cell damage caused by active oxygen. It also helps absorb vitamin C, keeps skin and blood vessels healthy, and is expected to have anti-aging effects.

In the second part, I will talk about Moringa.
Nutritionist's Column Vol. 14 ~ Moringa as Medicine

<GRØN products that have appeared>

Protein Blend Matcha All Stars 20g / 370 yen (excluding tax)

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Nutritionist, Food Education Instructor, Food 6th Industrialization Producer Level 4
Ayako Ishihara

A nutritional advisor in the healthcare field and an agribusiness professional.
She is involved in a variety of activities specializing in the fields of beauty and health, including giving lectures to Miss World Japan candidates.

With the philosophy of "enriching the mind and body through food and realizing a vibrant society where people and communities are connected," he founded i-Field Co., Ltd. in 2013 and serves as its representative.
He is a core member of the food team for "DINING OUT," which opens outdoor restaurants in various regions, and also participates in fashion brand projects.
She is also involved in the promotion of local ingredients, product development and production specializing in "health" and "beauty," branding, concept design, food hygiene, sales promotion, training planning and management, etc. She is in charge of nutritional supervision for GRØN's product development, proposing ways to incorporate them more effectively into consumer health.

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Photos by Moeko Sawada