Mulberry leaves have long appeared in medicinal herbs and herbal drinks in many Asian countries. In recent years, this type of leaf has been increasingly noticed thanks to studies related to metabolic health, especially its ability to support blood sugar control.
According to Healthline, mulberry leaves contain many beneficial plant-based active ingredients, among which the most prominent are compounds that can slow down the process of breaking down and absorbing carbohydrates in the intestines. Thanks to this mechanism, the amount of sugar entering the blood after meals can be better controlled, limiting rapidly increasing blood sugar.
This is also why mulberry leaves are often mentioned in studies on pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Some initial studies show that mulberry leaf extract can help control post-eating blood sugar. However, more large-scale studies are needed to fully assess the impact on insulin sensitivity.
Not only related to blood sugar, mulberry leaves are also studied for their benefits for cardiovascular health. Some studies show that the active ingredients in mulberry leaves can contribute to improving some blood lipid indices, including LDL cholesterol.
In addition, mulberry leaves also contain many natural antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds help protect cells from the effects of free radicals - factors believed to be related to aging and many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or metabolic disorders.
Another notable point is that mulberry leaves are often used as herbal teas, so they are quite easy to add to your daily diet. Many people choose mulberry leaves tea as a drink to replace sugary drinks.
However, experts note that mulberry leaves are not a "panacea" that can replace treatment drugs. The effectiveness of this type of leaf depends on each person's diet, lifestyle and health condition.
Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise and following doctor's treatment instructions are still the most important factors to control blood sugar and protect cardiovascular health.
People who are using drugs to treat diabetes or other chronic diseases should consult a doctor before using mulberry leaves for a long time.