numerous health benefits of plums you never knew about

The health benefits of plums include relief from indigestion, influenza infection, and anxiety-related problems. The antioxidant power of these fruits helps in treating ailments such as osteoporosis, macular degeneration, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. They also help in maintaining a healthy heart by reducing cholesterol levels. Additionally, plums improve cognition, boost immunity, improve cellular health, maintain electrolyte balance, keep the nervous system healthy, and aid in skin care and blood clotting.

WHAT ARE PLUMS

They are juicy and delicious fruits that belong to the genus Prunus of the Rosaceae family which also includes peaches, apricots, and nectarines. They exist in diverse colors and shapes with over 2000 different varieties. Plums are broadly divided into three groups: European-Asian (Prunus domestica), Japanese (Prunus salicina) and Damson (Prunus insititia). China is the leading harvester of plums, followed by the United States, Serbia, and Romania. Within the US, the major production of plums happens in California. Along with the hand-picked, fresh variety, plums can also be dried or canned. These fruits are then referred to as prunes.

They are small deciduous trees which grow to a height of about 10-15 m and bear fruits with different characteristics based on the country of origin. They are drupes or stone fruits with a smooth pit and a crease running down on one side. They contain juicy pulp varying from creamy yellow to crimson red. The color of the outer skin may vary considerably from yellow or dark red to purple or black.

Nutritional Value Of Plums

Plums contain an assortment of healthy components, vitamins, and minerals. They are an excellent source of vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), folate, and vitamin K (phylloquinone).  They are also a good source of vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B-6, and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol). The minerals present in them include potassium, fluoride, phosphorous, magnesium, iron, calcium, and zinc. They also supply dietary fiberand offer very low calories without any harmful fats.

Health Benefits Of Plums

They are packed with an immense range of phenols and flavonoids, which offer an impressive range of health benefits.

Antioxidant Properties

These fruits contain vitamin C and phytonutrients such as lutein, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, neochlorogenic, and chlorogenic acid. These components possess effective antioxidant qualitieswhich help in preventing the damage caused by oxygen radicals called superoxide anion radicals. The phenols present in plums also extend their protective effect on the essential fats in the neurons and cell membranes against any injuries caused by oxidative stress.

Treat Obesity

Plum extracts are valuable for treating obesity and other complications associated with obesity. Studies have shown that consumption of stone fruits such as plums helps in fighting metabolic syndrome, due to the presence of bioactive compounds. The flavonoids and phenolic components such as anthocyanins, chlorogenic acids, quercetin, and catechins present in them exert anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects on the cells, including the fat cells, and they also help in preventing obesity-related problems such as cholesterol disorders, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Control Diabetes

Plums exert anti-hyperglycemic effects and help in combating diabetes. Studies have shown that the consumption of plum extracts aids in the reduction of blood glucose and levels of triglyceride in the body. The flavonoids present in plums exert protective effects against insulin resistance and help to enhance insulin sensitivity in the body.

Prevent Osteoporosis

Consumption of dried plums exerts anabolic and anti-resorptive actions, which aid in maintaining healthy bones. Flavonoids such as caffeic acid and rutin present in plums help in inhibiting the deterioration of bone tissues and prevent diseases such as osteoporosis in postmenopausalwomen. Polyphenols, along with the potassium content present in dried plums, encourage the formation of bones, improve bone density, and prevent bone losscaused by ovarian hormone deficiency. Research has demonstrated that regular consumption of dried plums helps in the restoration of bone density that has already been lost due to aging.

Aid in Digestion

They are a good source of dietary fiber, along with the components sorbitol and isatin, which help in regulating the digestive system. According to research, dried plums or prunes are more effective in treating digestive disorders such as constipation as compared to other remedies such as psyllium husk. Sorbitol and isatin have a laxative effect and encourage the secretion of fluids in the bowels and promote the efficient flushing of waste through the colon.

Improve Cognition

Studies have shown that the flavonoids present in plum juice are effective in providing protection against age-related cognitive impairment. The beneficial phytonutrients present in plums help in reducing inflammation in the neurological areas to improve learning and memory functions. Regular consumption of plums also helps in preventing age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Maintain Healthy Nervous System

Plums contain vitamin B6, which helps in the transmission of nerve signals and aids in the smooth functioning of the nervous system. They also help in the normal growth of the brain and assist in the formation of mood influencing hormones. Tryptophan, an amino acid present in them, helps in the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which plays an important role in improving sleep, appetite, and concentration.

Protect Heart Health

Research has provided supporting evidence regarding the fact that the regular intake of dried plums helps in promoting fluidity of blood in the arteries. This protective effect aids in the prevention of various cardiac disorders, including the development of atherosclerosisand the reduction in chances for heart attack and stroke.

Boost Immunity

Plums are beneficial in strengthening the immune defense of the body due to the presence of high vitamin C content. This vitamin promotes the body’s resistance against infections and inflammations. Research has shown that oriental plums have immunostimulatory constituents that encourage the production of nitric oxide in the body, impede the metastasis of tumor cells, and are valuable in preventing various diseases.

Regulate Cholesterol Levels

Dried plums or prunes help in preventing hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia. A comparative study has proven the efficacy of prunes over grape-juice in maintaining healthy levels of plasma and liver cholesterol. The fiber content present in them also adds to the protective effect of the heart by reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol and helping to elevate the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.

Weight Loss

Research conducted by the University of Liverpool suggests that intake of prunes as part of a weight control diet can speed up weight loss.

Boost Cellular Health

They contain essential minerals like iron and copper, which assist in the formation of red blood cells and facilitate blood purification and healthy circulation. The copper in plums acts as an antioxidant and is essential for nerve health and aids in the formation of collagen. Consumption of copper also helps in the absorption of iron and prevents various diseases like anemia and osteoarthritis.

Eliminate Anxiety

Regular consumption of plums helps in reducing anxiety. Studieshave provided supporting evidence regarding the anxiolytic effects and antioxidant properties of chlorogenic acids present in plums, which help in curing anxiety-related behaviors and damage caused by oxidative stress.

Cure Influenza

Japanese plums are effective against the infection caused by influenza A virus. Studies have shown that concentrated juice of Japanese plums contains lectin-like molecules which help in inhibiting and treating the infections caused by human influenza A virus.

Useful in Pregnancy

Plum products are beneficial during pregnancy, due to the abundance of numerous vitamins and minerals. These beneficial components are vital for eye-sight, development of bones and tissues, and cellular health for the mother and the growing baby. The fiber content aids in preventing constipation and improves digestion. The inclusion of plums as a part of balanced diet helps in fighting various infections and maintains overall health. However, one should be careful regarding the choice of commercially available plum juices as they might contain high amounts of sugar.

Prevent Cancer

Plum extracts have been proven beneficial in the treatment of cancer. Studies have shown that the component epicatechin, present in plums, helps in inhibiting the growth and proliferation of malignant cancer cells and induces apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma or liver cancer. They are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, including chlorogenic and neo-chlorogenic acid which have a curative effect on breast cancercells, without harming the healthy cells of the body.

Maintain Electrolyte Balance

Plums contain potassium, which is an electrolyte and is required for the efficient functioning of cells and tissues of the body. Consuming potassium-rich plums helps in regulating muscle contractions and acid-base balance of the body.

Skin Care

They are rich in vitamin C, along with other antioxidants, which help to maintain healthy, radiant, and youthful skin. The consumption of plums helps in reducing dark spots and wrinkles due to the presence of anti-aging nutrients. Plum extracts are used in various skin care products such as face wash and face packs.

Prevent Macular Degeneration

They contain vitamin A and beta-carotene, which are beneficial in maintaining healthy eyesight and preventing age-related macular degeneration. The carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, present in them reside in the macular tissues of the retina and provide protection against the damage caused by UV radiation.

Prevent Blood Clotting

Plums and prunes contain vitamin K, which helps in normal clotting of the blood and promotes bone health. Deficiency of vitamin K in the body can result in excessive blood loss and other health concerns such as weak bones.

Culinary Use

They are widely used in food items due to their sweet and tart flavor, as well as their pleasant aroma. They can be enjoyed fresh and can also be added to puddings, jams, and jellies. Plum juice is used in the preparation of alcoholic beverages. Prune juice concentrate works deliciously well as a filling for candies and confectionery products, and as a binding agent for cereal bars. Plum chutney or dip is famous in Indian cuisine and is served along with stuffed Indian bread. It is also relished as a condiment along with the meat delicacies.

Other Uses

Plum Blossoms: Plum blossoms have been historically used in the treatment of loose teeth, mouth ulcers, and sore gums.They are an effective ingredient in the manufacturing of mouthwashes and help in curing bad breath and soothing sore throats.

How To Select & Store Plums?

Select plums with a slight whitish bloom, which indicates no over-handling. Avoid the soft ones with bruises. Ripe and ready to eat plums yield to slight pressure and have a sweet aroma. They can be stored in the refrigerator. Slightly firm plums can be kept in a paper bag at room temperature until they ripen. Prunes can be kept at room temperature for a few days.

Word of Caution: Plums and plum products offer a variety of health benefits, barring a few exceptions which should be considered and taken care of while consuming plums.