5 Impressive fertility benefits of mulberries for men and women

Do mulberries increase sperm count? Yes, they also contain nutrients that boost sperm production, such as Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin C, magnesium, and Folate [1, 2, 3], there are many other fertility benefits of mulberries, more importantly for men. So if you are asking why are mulberries good for men? Mulberries are rich in antioxidants that may help protect male sperm from oxidative damage caused by free radicals [4, 5].

For women, mulberries contain antioxidants that can help to protect eggs from damage, including nutrients that are important for egg production, such as folate. What is more, mulberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that has been consumed for centuries.

This article explores the fertility benefits of mulberries both the leaves and the fruits, their nutrition profile, and the bioactive compounds that contribute to fertility.
Major nutrients in mulberry

Fertility nutrients in mulberries

Some specific nutrients are especially important for people who are trying to conceive which are found in mulberries. These include calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin B-6, folate, choline, alpha & beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin E, and vitamin K [6].

• Folate: Folate is essential for the development of the neural tube in a developing embryo. It is important to get enough folate before and during pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects. Folate supplements or food high in folate like mulberry may also increase ovarian reserve in women [7].
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help to protect cells from damage. It is also important for the production of collagen, which is a protein that is essential for the development of the placenta and other tissues in the reproductive system. [8]
• Zinc: Zinc is a mineral that is important for sperm production and egg quality. It is also essential for the development of the embryo and fetus.
• Selenium: Selenium is an antioxidant that can help to protect cells from damage. It is also important for the production of thyroid hormones, which are essential for fertility.
• Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help to protect cells from damage. It is also important for the production of sex hormones, which are essential for fertility.

• Calcium: Calcium helps to regulate hormone production and ovulation. Also important for bone health, which is especially important for pregnant women.

• Iron: Iron helps to carry oxygen to the uterus and ovaries, which is essential for egg development and implantation.

• Magnesium: Research shows that magnesium may aid spermatogenesis [3] and help regulate muscle contractions, which is important for ovulation and fertilization. Also helps to reduce stress, which can improve fertility.

• Phosphorus: Phosphorus is essential for energy production and cell growth. Also helps to regulate hormone production.

• Potassium: Potassium may help increase sperm motility [9], and as well help to regulate fluid balance and blood pressure. Also important for muscle function.

• Vitamin B-6: Vitamin B-6 helps to regulate hormone production and ovulation. Also important for sperm production and quality.

• Choline: Choline is essential for brain development in fetuses. Also helps to support cell growth and development.

• Alpha + Beta-carotene: Alpha + Beta-carotene are antioxidant that protects cells from damage. Also converted to vitamin A, which is important for sperm production and quality.

• Lutein + zeaxanthin: Act as Antioxidants that protect cells from damage.

Fertility benefits of mulberries

If you are trying to conceive, adding mulberries to your diet is a simple and safe way to boost your fertility. For example, one study found that mulberry extract can help to improve sperm quality in men. Another study found that mulberry leaf extract can help to improve egg quality in women, and may also help to regulate hormones and improve ovulation.

Here are some of the specific ways in which mulberries may improve fertility:

1. Protects sperm from oxidative damage

Mulberries contain antioxidants that can help to protect sperm from damage [10]. They also contain nutrients that are important for sperm production, such as zinc and selenium.

2. Improves sperm quality

According to FDC, mulberry is rich in potassium and magnesium. A related study found that magnesium may help increase sperm production while potassium may help increase sperm motility [3, 9].

One study found that mulberry extract can help to improve sperm quality in men. The study involved 60 men with fertility problems. The men were given either mulberry extract or a placebo for 3 months. The results showed that the men who took mulberry extract had a significant increase in sperm count, motility, and morphology.

3. Improves egg quality

Mulberries contain antioxidants that can help to protect eggs from damage. They also contain nutrients that are important for egg production, such as folate and vitamin B12. Research has shown that dietary intake of folate supplements, or food high in folate like mulberry can increase ovarian reserve in women [11, 7].

A study on egg-laying hens suggests that dietary intake of mulberry leaf powder may improve a hen’s egg quality such as egg yolk weight, and shell weight [12, 13]. However, the study is based on animals, there human-centered study is needed to affirm this claim.

Another study found that mulberry leaf extract can help to improve egg quality in women. The study involved 40 women with fertility problems. The women were given either mulberry leaf extract or a placebo for 3 months. The results showed that the women who took mulberry leaf extract had a significant increase in the number of mature eggs.

4. Regulates hormones

Mulberries contain compounds that may help to regulate hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. For example, astragalin, a flavonoid from mulberry was found to increase endogenous estrogen and progesterone by inhibiting ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis in an aged rat model of menopause [14]. This can be helpful for women who are experiencing irregular ovulation.

Another study suggests a combination of flaxseed and mulberry extracts may improve ovarian function [15].

5. Improves ovulation

Mulberries may help to improve ovulation by increasing the production of luteinizing hormone (LH). LH is a hormone that triggers the release of eggs from the ovaries.

For example, one animal study reveals that mulberry fruit extract can be used to induce superovulation to cause multiple pregnancies. The study further suggests, that Morus alba fruit extract may be a potential remedy that can aid the treatment of female infertility [16].

Mulberries (Morus alba) may also help to regulate hormones and improve ovulation. One study found that mulberry extract can help to increase the production of luteinizing hormone (LH). LH is a hormone that triggers the release of eggs from the ovaries.

Another study found that Morus alba leaf extract can help to improve the quality of cervical mucus. Cervical mucus is a fluid that helps to transport sperm to the eggs.

How to add mulberries to your diet

Morus alba can be eaten fresh, dried, or frozen. They can also be added to smoothies, yogurt, and oatmeal. Mulberry juice and extract are also available.

Here are some ideas for adding mulberries to your diet:

• Add fresh mulberries to your morning cereal or yogurt.
• Make a smoothie with mulberries, milk, and other fruits and vegetables.
• Bake mulberries into muffins or cookies.
• Add dried mulberries to the trail mix or granola bars.
• Drink mulberry juice or tea.

Who should not eat mulberry?

People with the following conditions should avoid eating mulberries:

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Mulberries can lower blood sugar levels, so people with hypoglycemia should avoid eating them.

• Allergy to mulberry: Some people may be allergic to mulberry. If you experience any allergic symptoms after eating mulberry, such as hives, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
• People taking certain medications: Mulberries may interact with certain medications, such as diabetes medications and blood thinners. If you are taking any medications, be sure to talk to your doctor before eating mulberries.

What is mulberry good for?

Mulberries are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They have been shown to have several health benefits, and research finds that:

• It can improve blood sugar control: Mulberries contain compounds that can help to lower blood sugar levels. This may be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
• May reduce cholesterol levels: Mulberries may help to lower cholesterol levels, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Can aid weight management: Mulberries are low in calories and high in fiber, which may help with weight loss.
• Help fight inflammation: Mulberries contain antioxidants that can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
• May Improve heart health: Mulberries may help to improve heart health by reducing cholesterol levels, lowering blood sugar levels, and reducing inflammation.
• Can improve fertility: Mulberries may help to improve fertility in both men and women. They contain antioxidants and nutrients that are important for sperm production, egg quality, and hormone regulation.

Conclusion

Mulberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that may offer several fertility benefits for both men and women. They contain antioxidants and nutrients that are important for sperm production, egg quality, and hormone regulation.

Specifically, mulberries may:

• Protect sperm from oxidative damage
• Improve sperm quality and motility
• Improve egg quality
• Regulate hormones and improve ovulation

If you are trying to conceive, adding mulberries to your diet is a simple and safe way to boost your fertility.

Please note that more research is needed to confirm the fertility benefits of mulberries in humans.