In-season fruit flooding local markets: Both cooling and good for cardiovascular health

In-season fruit flooding local markets: Both cooling and good for cardiovascular health

Mulberries are used by locals to make refreshing infused drinks. Photo: N. Huyen

According to Dr. Ngo Duc Phuong, Director of the Institute of Traditional Herbal Medicine, in traditional medicine, mulberry is known as tang tham (scientific name Morus alba). This is a medicinal herb and nutritious food that has long been used in folk medicine.

According to traditional medicine, mulberries have a sweet, slightly sour taste and a cold nature. This fruit is often used to nourish the blood, tonify the liver and kidneys, relieve dizziness and blurred vision caused by blood deficiency, nourish yin, promote body fluid production, relieve dry mouth, and help alleviate mild constipation due to fluid deficiency.

Thanks to those properties, mulberries are often considered a suitable food for people with mild anemia, general fatigue, or frequent internal heat.

Why are mulberries good for blood and cardiovascular health?

Dr. Phuong added that modern nutritional studies show mulberries are rich in anthocyanins, the compounds responsible for the characteristic deep purple color of the ripe fruit. In addition, this fruit is rich in vitamin C, polyphenols, flavonoids, and dietary fiber.

“These compounds offer many health benefits, including powerful antioxidant effects, cell protection, cardiovascular support and improved blood circulation. Some studies also suggest that they may help stabilize blood sugar to a certain extent, while supporting brain health and vision,” Dr. Phuong said.

Mr. Phuong stated that the near-black purple color of ripe berries reflects a high anthocyanin content—a group of plant pigments belonging to the flavonoid family with numerous important biological effects.

First, anthocyanins possess potent antioxidant properties, helping neutralize free radicals—agents that cause cellular damage and accelerate vascular aging. As a result, supplementing anthocyanin-rich fruits like mulberries can help protect blood vessel walls and reduce oxidative stress in the body.

Second, several studies indicate that this compound can improve vascular endothelial function, promote better vasodilation, and support blood circulation. This is beneficial for maintaining stable blood pressure and long-term cardiovascular health.

Third, anthocyanins are also associated with reducing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, the type of cholesterol that readily forms atherosclerotic plaques. When LDL is less oxidized, the risk of plaque accumulation in the arterial walls is also reduced.

In addition, mulberries also contain vitamin C, iron, polyphenols, and dietary fiber, which support blood formation, boost immunity, and improve metabolism.

“For this reason, in both traditional medicine and modern nutrition, mulberries are often considered a fruit that nourishes the blood and supports cardiovascular health, particularly when eaten during their ripening season or consumed as syrup, sun-dried mulberries or mulberry wine in small amounts,” Dr. Phuong said.

However, experts also note that people should not eat too many of these fruits. Ripe mulberries contain many organic acids, so excessive consumption can cause stomachache or mild diarrhea. People with high blood sugar need to be cautious when consuming mulberry syrup or sugar-preserved mulberries.