Plums, originally hailing from La Petite D'Agen in southwestern France, claim this picturesque region as their hometown. When fully ripe, they showcase deep purple skin and amber flesh.
In 1856, Mr. Louis Pellet, a French planter, played a pivotal role in introducing prune saplings to North America, specifically in California. These delectable fruits, also known as California plums, offer a myriad of nutritional benefits.
Plums, grown abundantly in California, boast tender, sweet, and sour flesh, enriching the human body with essential nutrients like iron, potassium, and calcium. Let's delve into the detailed efficacy and contraindications associated with the consumption of plums.
Nutrient-rich and packed with cellulose, vitamin A, minerals, and trace elements, plums stand out as a powerhouse of goodness. Notably, experts have determined that consuming three medium-sized plums provides a fiber content equivalent to that of one fresh fruit, making it an excellent addition to a balanced diet.
Maintaining Bone Density
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has revealed that incorporating plums into the daily diet can play a significant role in maintaining bone density in the hip, consequently reducing the risk of fractures in women. The 12-month randomized controlled trial demonstrated that women who consumed 50 grams of plums daily retained hip joint bone density, while the control group, not consuming plums, experienced a notable reduction in hip bone density and an increased risk of hip fractures.
Preventing Blood Clots
Prune peels harbor a wealth of anthocyanins, exhibiting potent antioxidant effects that inhibit the formation of low-density cholesterol in the blood. Beyond vitamins and minerals, plums contain malic acid, anthocyanins, and other beneficial substances. The antioxidant properties of plums surpass those of purple grapes and raisins, contributing to anti-inflammatory effects and vascular protection.
Reducing the Risk of Heart Disease
Research conducted by San Diego State University in the United States has found that incorporating five plums into the daily diet can effectively reduce the risk of heart disease and inflammation, particularly in older women. Daily consumption of plums leads to a decrease in inflammation levels, subsequently lowering the risk of heart disease.
Improving Digestion
Plums, rich in fruit acids and dietary fiber, play a crucial role in promoting gastrointestinal motility. Consuming plums accelerates the secretion of digestive juices in the stomach, significantly enhancing overall digestive function. This makes plums particularly suitable for individuals with gastrointestinal insufficiency and digestive disorders.
Contraindications for Plums
Despite their numerous benefits, plums should not be consumed in conjunction with tea, spinach, or egg yolks. Pairing plums, a naturally cooling fruit, with other cold foods may trigger spleen and stomach deficiency symptoms.
Additionally, due to their high sugar content, individuals with diabetes should exercise caution and control their prune consumption. Patients with acute gastroenteritis should also approach plums with care due to their rich dietary fiber content.
When selecting plums, it is advisable to choose those with a ripe purple-red or deep-red hue, and a fruit stalk that retains a green color indicates freshness. Optimal plums are slightly firm to the touch with an elastic surface. The hoarfrost on prune skin, a natural protective secretion, is harmless to the human body.
In essence, plums, with their rich nutritional profile and diverse health benefits, stand as a testament to the adage that good things come in small packages.
