Mother Nature generously gives us her fruits, which help improve our health and well-being. We pay special attention to berries and fruits, considering them sources of vitamins. Today on the agenda is plum, the benefits of which are amazing. This hybrid of cherry plum and wild thorn is a valuable gift from nature to man.
Have you ever wondered what are the benefits of plums? These amazing berries grow in our latitudes, and in gardens you can find dozens of different varieties. People are seduced by the unusual taste of the pulp with a slight tartness and exquisite sourness. Juices, jams, compotes, and desserts are prepared based on plum fruits. This berry is often added to confectionery products. But the value of plums has long gone beyond the culinary world.
The described fruits are widely used in alternative medicine. And all thanks to their wonderful component composition. Plum berries can be conventionally called the abode of vitamins, fiber, acids of various types, micro- and macroelements.
This affordable fruit is enriched with the following components:
- retinol;
- nicotinic acid;
- ascorbic acid;
- pyridoxine;
- riboflavin;
- tocopherol.
But the reserves of useful substances do not end with vitamins. The plum is popularly called the pantry of health.
The component composition of this fruit contains the following elements:
- dietary fiber;
- starch;
- potassium;
- organic acids;
- ash;
- pectins.
Interesting! Plums are dietary fruits. A 100 g serving contains approximately 40-42 kilocalories. At the same time, most of the mass of plum berries is water. And only 20% is distributed between carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
The described fruit trees grow on all continents, of course, with the exception of glaciers. There are about two thousand varieties of these fruits in nature. They all differ in taste, fruit size, and skin color.
One of the most popular species, which is most often found in temperate climatic conditions, considered to be a Hungarian plum. The benefits and harms of plum fruits for the human body do not depend on the type of fruit tree. It is important to eat only ripe fruits, otherwise you may harm your health.
On a note! If you have harvested unripe plums, leave them in a warm place for a while until they are fully ripe.
Not only berries are used in alternative medicine. The inflorescences, bark and even leaves are of particular value.
The beneficial properties of plum fruits include:
- memory improvement;
- decrease in body temperature;
- strengthening immunity;
- elimination of cholesterol plaques;
- strengthening vascular walls, increasing their elasticity;
- restoration of normal water-salt levels;
- normalization of sleep;
- neutralizing the consequences of stressful situations;
- improvement of visual acuity;
- strengthening the mucous membrane, including the membrane of the eye;
- stimulation of production of hydrochloric acid;
- increased appetite;
- strengthening the heart muscle;
- treatment of anemia;
- promoting rapid regeneration of damaged skin.
- myocardial infarction;
- asthma;
- arthritis;
- oncological pathologies.
On a note! The diet of people actively involved in sports must include plums. The vitamins and elements contained in the fruits help increase endurance and strengthen the cardiovascular system.
Experts advise eating plums separately from other foods. Let it be a delicious dessert or aperitif, but you need to eat sweet and sour fruits at least half an hour before meals.
Plum pulp contains sugar, which is classified as a carbohydrate. With insufficient physical activity, unspent energy is transformed into fat reserves. To prevent this from happening, eat plums separately, maybe for dessert.
Plums for women
Waiting for the birth of a baby is perhaps the most wonderful period in the life of every woman. It is at this time that many are faced with such a delicate problem as constipation.
Plums have a mild laxative effect, and literally a few fruits eaten a day will help normalize stool. Also, plum pulp is enriched with tocopherol. This vitamin not only has a beneficial effect on the skin, but is also necessary for the normal development of the placenta. Plums also contain folic acid. It promotes conception and also protects the fetal neural tube from the development of defects.
You can make masks based on plum pulp. Such cosmetical tools home-made help restore the natural complexion, enrich the skin with essential elements and even smooth out fine wrinkles.
Some women introduce plums into their diet for the purpose of losing weight. If there are no contraindications, you can safely treat yourself to plum fasting days, just not too often.
Particular attention should be paid to prunes. The calorie content of such a product is prohibitive, but it can be used not only for culinary purposes. Softened prunes help in the treatment of corns and calluses.
On a note! Miracle decoctions are prepared from dried plum inflorescences and leaves. They are taken to treat kidney ailments, as well as strengthen hair.
Oil extracts are prepared from plum seeds. In terms of the number of beneficial properties and value, this oil is often compared to almond oil. It helps in the treatment of bronchitis and persistent cough.
Please note that drug treatment cannot be ignored. Traditional medicine is just an assistant.
The negative side of plum
As practice shows, the fruit described can cause the development of diarrhea. But such by-effect appears only with excessive consumption of fruits. Doctors advise eating no more than 5-6 large plums per day. In this case, the fruit will be extremely beneficial.
Overeating plums causes heartburn in some people. This symptom is the result of increased acidity in the stomach. Individual intolerance and hypersensitivity should not be discounted. If this aspect is not taken into account, plums can cause an allergic reaction.
Carefully and preferably, after consultation with the treating specialist, plums can be introduced into the diet of people suffering from the following ailments:
- gastritis;
- diabetes mellitus;
- gout;
- urolithiasis.
If you are overweight, you should eat this fruit with extreme caution, because the sugar entering the body can be transformed into fat deposits. Some diseases of the digestive tract are also considered contraindications, especially if this is associated with increased levels of hydrochloric acid and gastric acidity.
If plums are very useful during pregnancy, then during breastfeeding it is better to avoid this fruit. As already mentioned, plums have a mild laxative effect. Along with mother's milk, some components will be transferred to the baby, which will cause intestinal colic and diarrhea.
Important! Doctors advise introducing plums into baby food from the age of three. There is no need to do this before. The exception is plum puree or cottage cheese with additives, but only in small quantities.
Pay special attention to the appearance of plum fruits. If there is damage or mold on the surface of the skin, then under no circumstances should they be eaten.
On the surface of the drain in natural conditions there are fungal microorganisms. Before eating, the fruit is thoroughly washed with running water.
On a note! For a long time You cannot store canned plums with pits. If you want to extend the life of fruits, it is better to freeze or dry them.
Today plums are grown in many Russian household farms. Thanks to scientists and breeders, more than 2,000 varieties have been developed, differing in the structure and size characteristics of the fruit, pulp structure and color, flavor and chemical composition. To get the most out of a valuable product, it is important to know the health benefits and harms of plums.
Among the wide variety of plums, there are dark purple, reddish and yellowish fruit colors. What they all have in common is a unique chemical composition, which may differ slightly for each variety. On average, plums are 80% water. The fruits contain a lot of fiber, pectin, organic acids, vitamins A, B, C, E. The fruits contain a high content of macroelements - potassium, calcium, magnesium and many others. They are a source of microelements - iron, iodine, manganese, zinc.
In the blue plum
The dark blue variety of plum is usually called “Hungarian”; such varieties have dense, juicy pulp, so they are often used to prepare prunes. 100 g of blue fruit contains 42 kcal.
In red
Red plum varieties are champions in folic acid content and contain a lot of iron. They help speed up metabolic processes, remove salts and excess fluid from the body.
100 g of red fruit contains only 46 kcal.
Black
Dark plum varieties contain a large amount of flavonols, anthocyanins, leukocyanins, which have unique properties in the form of a positive effect on the walls of blood vessels and their strengthening.
Yellow
Yellow plums contain a large amount of keratin, and in terms of vitamin E content they are not inferior to rose hips. Varieties of this species are effective for the treatment of bronchi, atherosclerosis and hypertension.
How to choose a good product
When choosing plums, you should be guided appearance fruit. Regardless of the color of the peel, they should be evenly colored. As the fruits ripen, the color becomes more saturated. You should pay attention to the absence of cracks, dents, and spotted formations.
It is recommended to try pressing on the surface of the peel. Excessive hardness indicates insufficient ripeness of the fruit; too soft pulp will lead to rapid spoilage of the product. Ripeness is determined by the rich aroma; the more pronounced it is, the more ripe the plums are.
Beneficial features
The usefulness of plums for the body is explained by the chemical elements present in it. Pectins promote better removal of radionuclides and carcinogens. When eating fruits, the following effects are observed:
- blood thinning;
- strengthening the walls of blood vessels and reducing the risk of thrombosis;
- improving the functioning of the heart muscles;
- lowering cholesterol levels;
- normalization of pressure.
Plum promotes the removal of fluid and bile and is considered a laxative. To eliminate the problem of constipation, it is enough to eat several fruits a day.
For children
For a child, plums are a valuable source of vitamins, so when they are included in the menu, the risk of vitamin deficiency is reduced significantly. Children often suffer from constipation, and with the help of fruit or a decoction based on it, stool can be normalized without the use of medications.
For men
Plum should be included in the diet of men who love fatty and unhealthy foods and who abuse alcohol. The fruit helps reduce cholesterol levels, the levels of which inevitably increase with improperly organized nutrition. Fruits help normalize liver function by removing harmful substances from bile. Heart pathologies are one of the common causes of death in men, and plum helps reduce the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.
For women
Fruit normalizes work nervous system women, which helps the body cope with stress more successfully. The fruits are considered effective means, with the help of which the effect of tissue regeneration is obtained, therefore this property of the product is actively used in cosmetology.
Masks, scrubs, and various skin care products are made from plums.
Due to the ability of plums to improve digestion, speed up metabolism and remove toxins, they are often included in the menu of people who control weight or want to lose weight. The dietary fiber of the fruit helps in quickly reducing body weight and further maintaining it at normal levels.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding
There is no ban on eating plums while pregnant. Folic acid present in the pulp contributes to the proper development of the baby. Many pregnant women suffer from edema, and due to the presence of potassium in fruits, excess fluid is naturally removed. Dietary fiber from fruits improves digestion, which helps prevent constipation. Vitamin C helps cope with viral infections, the appearance of which is dangerous during such a period.
Use in folk medicine
Plum is often present in traditional medicine recipes. It is used as an ingredient for preparing decoctions to relieve constipation and normalize digestion.
Use for diabetes
Patients with diabetes should be careful when consuming fruits. Plum does not belong to the category of products that are harmful to the body high risk. Its low calorie content and low glycemic index make it possible to include it in the diet of diabetics in the initial stages of disease. Patients with this diagnosis often suffer from blood pressure, blurred vision and kidney problems, and eating plums helps solve such problems. At the same time, it is impossible to abuse fruit intake; diabetics are not recommended to exceed the daily norm of 200 g.
For pancreatitis
If you are diagnosed with pancreatitis, plums are not prohibited for consumption, but it is necessary to peel the fruits. It contains coarse fiber and acid, which can cause exacerbation of stomach diseases.
For cancer
According to studies, phenolic acid contained in plums can slow down the growth of tumors. This substance is poisonous, but when it enters the body it only affects cancer cells. Regular consumption of plums helps prevent cancer of the mammary glands, stomach, colon, and respiratory organs. It is recommended to include in the diet not only fresh and dried fruits, but also smoothies.
For the recipe you need:
- 5 plums;
- 1 banana;
- 10 raspberries;
- 1 tsp. honey;
- 1⁄2 glass of water;
- cinnamon to taste.
The main ingredients are whipped using a blender. This drink will give you energy and have a positive effect on all organs and vital systems. If there are no digestive problems, you can take orange juice instead of water, which will saturate the body with even more vitamin C.
For diabetes
Plum contains a fairly large amount of sugar, so including it in the diet of patients with diabetes can cause a worsening of the condition. People with type 2 should be especially careful when including them in their diet. It is better for diabetics not to use prunes in their diet, since their glycemic index is higher; it is better to give preference to fresh ripe fruits.
The undoubted benefits of plums for athletes
Plum, due to its small amount of calories, is often present on the menu of those losing weight or athletes resorting to programs for “drying” the body. At the same time, due to the rich composition of chemical elements, when consuming fruit, the risk of their deficiency in the body is reduced.
Is plum good for weight loss?
Plum for losing weight is considered a unique product. The simultaneous combination of low calories and high nutrient content allows you to achieve your weight loss goals faster. Improving digestion and accelerating metabolic processes contributes to faster removal of fat deposits.
What is the best way to eat the product?
Plum is a versatile fruit. The fruits are consumed fresh and dried. They are suitable for making preserves, jams and purees. Juices, smoothies and compotes are prepared from fruits.
Dried
Dried plums are commonly called prunes. The nutrient content in it is not inferior to fresh fruit. It is an excellent way to satisfy hunger when you need a quick snack.
Fresh
Eating fresh plums is the most in a simple way improve your well-being, since it does not require any force to process the product. The disadvantage of freshly picked fruits is their short shelf life, so heat treatment methods are often used to extend it.
Compotes and preserves
Compotes are an excellent way to use the valuable qualities of plums in winter. This drink is always at hand and can be used if necessary to reduce blood pressure or get rid of swelling.
Benefits and uses of plum seeds
Product consumption standards
Children are introduced to plums in their diet starting from the age of 3 years. It is necessary to give fruit gradually, starting with 1 piece. However, if diarrhea, bloating or colic occurs, the product should be discarded. In the absence of negative reactions, the number of plums is gradually increased to 3-4 per day.
The norm for an adult depends on the presence of contraindications and the individual characteristics of the person. On average, the daily amount should not exceed 300 g. During pregnancy, you should limit yourself to 6 fetuses per day.
Contraindications and negative effects
Excessive consumption of plums can cause gastrointestinal upset. You should not include the product in your diet if you have diarrhea or diarrhea, as this will worsen the situation. Fruits should not be included in the diet if the following indications exist:
- younger children;
- rheumatism;
- cholelithiasis;
- problems with the patency of the biliary tract.
You should not eat plums if you have an allergic reaction to the product. Neglecting such a limitation can lead to negative consequences, ranging from minor itching and ending with anaphylactic shock.
Sweet cream is a hybrid fruit that arose from the union of cherry plum and blackthorn. It is familiar to everyone from childhood, because it grows in almost every yard.
It is the plum that amazes everyone with its tart and at the same time refreshing taste; this juicy fruit tones and gives a feeling of fullness for a long time. At the same time, it can be dried and pickled, and the delicacy can be made into compotes and jam.
The most interesting thing is that the delicious plum grows not only in Eurasia, but also on all continents, except for the Antarctic ice.
By the way, it’s worth a long time to figure out what the benefits and harms of plums are for the health of every adult and little person.
Which plum will benefit?
It is worth clarifying that not every fruit can be beneficial, but only those that are ripe on time and have the taste qualities required for a particular variety.
You can pick plums yourself from the May holidays to September, or you can buy them in supermarkets all year round.
In order for the fruits to bring exceptional benefits, you should choose the following fruits:
- with elastic skin;
- with a peel of increased density;
- without any damage or unripe parts;
- without increased softness;
- without a thin shell;
- which grew on a tree in the garden, and not in a greenhouse.
In the right cream you can find a whole range of minerals and vitamins, including:
- cellulose;
- pectin;
- silicon;
- organic acids;
- fruit type acids;
- potassium;
- calcium;
- phosphorus;
- copper;
- coumarin;
- chromium;
- fluorine;
- iodine;
- vitamins PP, A, C, B, E, K.
It is safe to say that juicy cream is a fairly healthy treat not only for adults, but also for children of all ages.
How does plum help the human body?
Plum is a unique fruit in which absolutely all its parts can be eaten. Gardeners should pay close attention to the fruit itself, its color and bark, leaves and seeds.
By the way, the health benefits and harms of plums will be almost the same for fresh fruits and dried fruits.
The undoubted benefit for every person is that the product:
- helps improve memory and concentration;
- neutralizes damaged brain cells;
- protects brain vessels;
- reduces capillary fragility;
- increases immunity;
- cleanses the body of cholesterol;
- reduces blood pressure;
- prevents the development of sclerosis;
- has a mild antipyretic effect;
- strengthens the immune system;
- helps regulate water-salt balance;
- removes all excess fluids;
- increases visual acuity;
- strengthens the heart muscle;
- helps fight diseases of the respiratory system;
- is a prevention for arthritis and oncology;
- increases appetite and activates the functioning of the stomach or intestines;
- helps get rid of insomnia and stress;
- can heal any wounds;
- reduces anxiety levels;
- increases hemoglobin.
Cosmetologists and dermatologists advise prolonging youth by applying masks and decoctions of plum fruits and leaves to the skin. By the way, the benefits of fruits are invaluable for athletes, since they help contract muscles after any training.
What is the energy value?
Many girls who watch their figure are therefore worried that the fruits contain a lot of calories. It is worth remembering that in three fruits you can find only forty-two kilocalories.
In addition to its low calorie content, plums have increased abilities to cleanse the human body.
By the way, ladies claim that it is quite possible to lose weight on plums, since the low calorie content is compensated by a full package of minerals, proteins and trace elements. The most interesting thing is that you definitely won’t be able to lose weight on dried plum fruits, since they contain two hundred and twenty-five kilocalories.
In order to lose weight, you should eat plums only:
- separately from other products and juices;
- before lunch;
- without drinking it with milk;
- half an hour before the main course.
If you eat food in this order, then the health benefits and harms of plums will be as balanced and balanced as possible. In this case, sugar will be distributed for the functioning of the body, and will not turn into fat deposits.
At proper diet You can combine plums with most foods, including cereals, kefir, yogurt, apples and natural honey.
It is worth noting that the juicy fruit is often used to make jam, jelly, savory seasoning, cream, and wine with a tart taste.
Is it possible to use plum during pregnancy and lactation?
It is worth noting that the benefits of plums for the human body are individual, since each person reacts to it differently. During pregnancy and lactation, plum will be incredibly useful, as it can gently cleanse the intestines and fight constipation.
In order for the gastrointestinal tract to work at full strength, you should eat no more than two or three fruits during the day.
If you regularly consume this juicy fruit, you can normalize the condition of the placenta and regulate the functioning of its blood vessels.
During pregnancy, women suffer from chronic toxicosis and swelling of the legs, so they will be pleased to know that plum can permanently relieve nausea, bloating and chronic gestosis.
Often women in interesting position suffer from gum disease, including bleeding. At the same time, plum helps to normalize blood circulation in the gums and get rid of dental problems.
Pregnancy is a period when antioxidants or toxins accumulate in the body, so plum is an antioxidant that gets rid of this with a bang. Wrinkles and stretch marks that are not too deep can be easily removed using masks made from overripe plums.
If you have prunes, you can steam them and apply them to calluses or unpleasant corns. If you apply the paste to the problem area overnight, the problem will instantly disappear.
Benefits of fruit for men
The benefits of plums for the human body will be invaluable, and especially for the male half of humanity.
At the same time, traditional healers pay special attention to this fruit; they use everything:
- flowers for decoction;
- bark and branches for decoction;
- plum juice;
- infusion of flowers and leaves;
- plum resin.
A decoction of the bark or flowers can cure the male population of the country from constipation, relieve inflammation and help improve expectoration.
The juice can be consumed when colds, and infusions for inflammation of the bladder or baldness, which often affects older men. Plum resin should also not be thrown away, because it will relieve acne and atopic dermatitis.
For those men who are very tired at work and often find themselves in stressful situations, plum leaf tea is ideal.
This healing drink has:
- sedative effect;
- calming effect;
- relaxing effect;
- ability to relieve stress.
The seeds extracted from ripe fruit are incredibly useful, since tincture from them will lead to a cure for chronic bronchitis, oncology and obsessive cough.
However, the bones should be treated with extreme caution, since they contain a harmful substance - amygdalin, which destroys the walls gastrointestinal tract. That is why it is strictly not recommended to roll compotes and jam from plums that are not freed from bones.
At the same time, seeds can be antioxidants and significantly strengthen people's immunity when used correctly, although there is still debate about this.
Benefits of plums for women
The benefits of plums for women are also invaluable, because the purple delicacy, plucked straight from the tree, helps to establish many processes in the body. For example, normalize the menstrual cycle and help alleviate the condition in stressful situations.
In addition, plum decoction and eating the fruit itself in sufficient quantities will help get rid of uterine bleeding and reduce the intensity of menstrual flow.
Plum can help regenerate tissue in the body, give eternal youth and tighten facial skin. It will get rid of acne, fine wrinkles and shallow stretch marks if you apply gruel or a mask of juicy fruit to problem areas.
Daily plum masks will nourish your face and scalp. natural oils, and also act as a natural peeling for legs and arms.
If a woman experiences menopause, she begins to feel terrible because she suffers from sweating and increased fragility of all the bones in the body. Regular eating of juicy and tasty fruits of various varieties and colors eliminates this problem.
In addition, the benefit of plum for women is to have a preventive effect against oncological diseases. Helps fight cancer that affects the cervix or mammary glands.
Any woman will be glad to no longer lose hair and get thick hair on her head.
In addition, using a decoction of plum leaves and flowers will allow you to:
- give hair elasticity;
- hide gray hair;
- maintain natural color;
- give silkiness and softness.
Plum will help you stay cheerful and charge you with positivity, give you an excellent mood and significantly improve your immunity.
What are the benefits of plums for athletes?
By the way, athletes should definitely eat plums and drink juices from them, as this can help during training. The fact is that fruits contain a huge dose of calcium, which is vital in order to improve the functioning of all muscle groups.
Plum allows you to effectively conduct nerve impulses to the fibers of nerve cells, and also constantly increase their elasticity and endurance.
If an athlete has injuries to bones and muscle tissue, he can recover more effectively by eating the fruits themselves and freshly squeezed juice from them.
In order to maintain bones in excellent condition, you will need to eat several prunes a day. This will help you forget about osteoporosis and brittle bones forever, and will also significantly thicken them.
If a person does not play sports professionally, but goes to fitness, swimming, football, boxing, gymnastics or other training several times a week, then the purple plum is his faithful friend.
Can children eat plums?
You should be especially careful when giving plums and dishes made from them to children who are not yet three years old. At the same time, this applies to fresh fruits, since high-quality plum puree from trusted manufacturers added to porridge or cottage cheese clearly will not harm the child’s body.
If babies eat more than a couple of pieces of fruit a day, they may experience problems such as stomach pain and diarrhea.
Problems can arise if the purple or white cream has not been washed at all or not thoroughly. It is best to peel the thin skin of the fruit to ensure that fungi and hidden mold are removed.
What is the harm of plums?
Do not delude yourself that the garden beauty will bring only benefits, since both the male and female population may be allergic to this fruit.
Everything is healthy in moderation, so eating a huge amount of plums can lead to:
- upset stomach;
- rapid increase in acid levels in the gastrointestinal tract;
- the occurrence of chronic heartburn;
- the appearance of a small allergic rash.
You should not eat more than six large plums at one time, so as not to encounter the above problems.
- elevated blood sugar levels;
- insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus;
- gastritis with a high level of acidity;
- chronic inflammatory process in the joints;
- gout or joint diseases;
- the presence of various stones in the gall or bladder;
- individual intolerance;
- in some cases during lactation, if babies are diagnosed with chronic colic or indigestion.
It is worth noting that in case of the above diseases, you should not eat not only fresh fruits, but also dried fruits made from cream.
How to cook plums correctly?
Housewives are trying to come up with a huge number of recipes that allow them to cook plums correctly and tasty. In order to preserve the maximum amount of vitamins, you should not boil it, but freeze it or dry it in a dryer.
Frozen or dried whole or halved fruits retain the full range of beneficial substances during processing without losing their taste.
Plum can make a sweet treat in the form of jelly or jelly, jam or preserves. All this wealth undoubtedly makes a filling for pies and pies, and plums can also be eaten as an independent dessert or used as an additive to sweet salads.
It is possible to find national plum dishes in different cultures, including sauces and pastilles, tzimmes and marinades.
Vitamins
| Vitamins | Quantity | Norm |
| Vitamin A | 9 mcg | 900 mcg |
| beta carotene | 0.1 mg | 5 mg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.07 mg | 1.5 mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.05 mg | 1.8 mg |
| Vitamin B4 | 1.9 mg | 500 mg |
| Vitamin B5 | 0.15 mg | 5 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.09 mg | 2 mg |
| Vitamin B9 | 1.6 mcg | 400 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg | 90 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.6 mg | 15 mg |
| Vitamin K | 6.4 mcg | 120 mcg |
| Vitamin PP | 0.7 mg | 20 mg |
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Plum is a very tasty and juicy fruit that is common among summer residents. Its fruits are very diverse because they have many varieties (for example, home plum or common plum). The size of the berry can be either large or small. Her taste qualities and the colors are as different as the areas of application. Juicy fruits often used to make expensive and aged wine, to which plum juice and seeds give a special, refined aroma.
As a rule, the drain has no climatic features. The Caucasus and Altai Mountains are considered to be the birthplace of the plum tree.
Plum is not only very tasty, but also very healthy..
Beneficial and healing properties for health
Many people love plums very much, because they are very tasty, but few people know that they It has healing properties , which support the human body throughout the day and help get rid of many diseases.
The benefit of plum is that when consumed frequently, it can improve visual skills and functions. Which is extremely useful for people who spend a lot of time at the computer.
Few people know, but plum copes well with this problem, it normalizes vision and promotes its restoration.
- Ripe plum fruits normalize the general condition of the body, help eliminate the effects of stressful situations, improve mood and saturate the body with useful substances to keep it in good shape. Also, changes happen in life and they are not always for the better. Because of this, our body suffers, the consequences can be different: it can be a lack of appetite, insomnia, fatigue and depression, or even irritability. Plum will help the body adjust our mood and improve all functions in general.
- For women plum is also very useful, as it can be used for cosmetic purposes. Its juice and ripe pulp make the skin more elastic and smooth. Therefore, it acquires a healthy shine.
- Today people complain about weak immunity. Plum helps to increase it and acts as a fighter against various microbes and viral diseases.
- In certain cases, plum acts as a diuretic.
- It also adjusts the functioning of the stomach and intestines, kills microbes in the oral cavity.
- Doctors recommend using plum in the treatment of anemia.
- The nutritious fruit is great for use in cooking and cosmetology.
- Its fruits are often one of the main ingredients for compote, aromatic and sweet jam. Plum juice and dried fruits are considered very tasty and healthy both among people and in medicine.
- They also make very useful masks from certain varieties of plums. various types skin, as plum perfectly nourishes the skin and smoothes out fine wrinkles.
- For men Plum also has great benefits, as it helps fight potency and is also an excellent preventive measure against this disease.
- For children Plum is very useful due to its rich composition of vitamins, because it contains a lot of them. The only thing is that when parents include fruit in their children’s diet, they should first pay attention to calculating its quantity. After all, the abuse of plum fruits is fraught not only with an upset stomach, but also with diathesis or allergies. But if you control the amount of fruits you eat, then your child will grow up healthy and energetic.
It is also worth mentioning folk recipes, which involve plum leaves. They also have a lot of vitamins. Especially them used in the treatment of sore throat and kidneys. A medicinal decoction is made from them, which is good for these diseases.
Calorie content
Plum is very tasty and at the same time very healthy, since it contains many vitamins, minerals and other substances that are very necessary for the human body.
Plum fruits contain such vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, P, as well as folic acid and niacin. Ripe plums are also rich in macroelements. Among other substances, it contains: magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium and sodium. The microelements contained in ripe plum fruits are also different. This could be, for example, zinc, iodine, fluorine and copper, or manganese, cobalt, iron and molybdenum.
100 grams of plum includes:
- water – 87 g.,
- proteins – 0.8 g.,
- carbohydrates – 11.2 g.,
- fiber – 0.5 g,
- pectin – 0.9 g,
- ash – 0.5 g.,
- organic acids – 1.3 g.
Calorie content per 100 grams ripe plum fruits usually do not exceed 43 kcal.
Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Plum is also very useful for pregnant women., as it strengthens the gums, normalizes the functioning of the stomach and intestines, fills the body with useful substances and normalizes water balance.
Also when breastfeeding plum helps bowel function and this is very important, since during this period it is not advisable for young mothers to take pills. And plum is a natural and healthy fruit.
Harm and contraindications
The fact that plum is very useful is undeniable, but it also has contraindications, which should be considered before eating it.
- It is recommended to eat fruits in small quantities for people who suffer from diabetes. You need to control the amount of fruit you eat so as not to inadvertently increase your blood sugar levels. After all, plums contain a lot of glucose and people with high sugar levels are contraindicated to eat them in large quantities.
- Also, plums, as a rule, act as a laxative, so children should not eat them in very large quantities, otherwise troubles may arise.
- People who suffer from gout and rheumatism are also recommended to eat plums in small quantities, because this fruit removes a lot of water from the body, and for such diseases it is contraindicated.
Plum is well known to us since childhood.
Remember the pleasure of its tart taste and delicate juicy pulp, the refreshing coolness of the thick juice with a pleasant sourness.
And a story about stolen plums, the seeds of which the boy threw out the window, comes to mind. This once again emphasizes how great the temptation was to taste the tasty fruit.
Some historical facts
The plum season opens in our latitudes closer to autumn.
A little earlier, the sale of plums brought from the places where they grow begins.
And the original homeland of the plum tree is considered to be the territory between Altai and Transcaucasia, where the modern plum hybrid was cultivated from wild thorns and cherry plums.
Plum trees can be found in every garden plot or vegetable garden - from low-growing one and a half meter shrubs to spreading giants five meters in size.
This is a fruit tree of the almond, or stone fruit, family, so its closest relatives are:
- cherry (),
- cherry plum (it is written about the benefits and harm to the body),
- apricot()
- peach.
Plum is unpretentious and easily adapts to any climate and soil. During the flowering season, it is difficult not to notice the beauty - the tree is shrouded in a fragrant haze of white or pink flowers.
The fruits are varied in shape, size and color - depending on the variety, of which there are at least 2000.
Yellow and blue, purple and red, green and blue - the size of quail egg and more, right up to the child’s fist.
The delights of chemical composition
Plum fruit - sample dietary product. Excellent taste qualities are successfully complemented low calorie, only 30 calories per 100 grams of product.
The fleshy skin contains a lot of useful fiber and pectin, necessary for healthy digestion and peristalsis.
Organic or fruit acids saturate juicy fruits with subtle shades of taste and actively participate in digestion.
Under their influence, the secretion of bile is stimulated (how to remove cholesterol stones in gallbladder read) in the small intestine, this activates peristalsis and helps digest food.
Plum is the leader in content potassium required:
Coumarins, which prevent the formation of blood clots, found not only in ripe plum fruits, but also in leaves (how to treat thrombophlebitis lower limbs read on page).
The ability to dilate coronary vessels makes them a natural therapeutic agent for cerebrovascular disorders.
Calcium And phosphorus Plums are good for bones; zinc, copper and chromium have a positive effect on blood composition.
Plum fruits are rich in fluoride essential for dental health and caries prevention.
Iodine, which is scarce in our geography, is also present in plums. Therefore, plums are safely considered to be a means of preventing iodine deficiency conditions, such as wild strawberries ().
“Vitamin-plum” cocktail:
- vitamin A There are many light shades in the fruits.
It is important for sharp vision, maintains muscle tone and is responsible for epithelization of the skin. - Plum pulp is a rich source vitamin PP, which strengthens the walls of blood vessels, thereby normalizing blood pressure.
This vitamin is resistant to high temperature and is preserved during cooking. - Vitamin C- a well-known antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals.
Without ascorbic acid, without which cellular metabolism is impossible, it maintains health, gives the skin radiance and youth. - According to the content of vitamin groups B, E and K plum is confidently among the top strongest fruits.
Properties of fruits
Plum is known as a mild and effective laxative. First of all, this applies to prunes (which is healthier than dried apricots or prunes), which are obtained from the Hungarian variety.
For atonic constipation plums, compotes and juices containing pulp are an irreplaceable natural remedy that has no side effects.
The ability of plums to remove cholesterol is used in the treatment of atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
By regularly including plums in your menu, you can prevent myocardial infarction.
Diuretic effect produced by plums, is used for heart and kidney damage, gout, thanks to it, the body safely gets rid of excess fluid and excess salt.
Plum is known for its ability to increase appetite by stimulating the production of gastrointestinal enzymes.
It is used in diet therapy for digestive diseases and as a general tonic for weakened patients with anemia.
It is also useful in baby food. Nutritionists recommend diversifying children's menu plums during the periods:
The healing effect of plum has shown itself in metabolic diseases:
- arthritis,
- rheumatism,
- gout
Plum and products made from it cope with excess weight and obesity without disrupting metabolism. She is a full-fledged participant in weight loss diets ().
Plums are also beneficial for iron deficiency anemia. Having a huge supply of vitamin C in their arsenal, they stimulate the synthesis of new red blood cells - erythrocytes.
Wound healing ability of decoctions plum leaves are used in folk medicine and surgical practice
For the female body
For athletes and more
Choosing healthy fruits
Today plums are available all year round, but the maximum benefits will come from plums ripened in May-September.
They are not only aromatic and delicious, but also filled to the brim with health benefits. How to determine whether fruits have been chemically treated?
A light, whitish coating on the fruit indicates natural ripening (or minimal use of chemicals).
Plum softness is a warning sign, as well as the "bruises" on her sides.
A ripe and edible plum is firm and elastic.
It yields to finger pressure and has a pleasant sweetish-fruity smell.
Unripe fruits quickly reach ripeness at room temperature.
After which they are moved to the refrigerator and eaten as needed.
Culinary delights
Plum is a delicious product for gourmets and chefs. It pleases chefs with its accessibility, original taste and considerable benefits.
Preparations for future use help to extend the season of fresh plums:
- dried plum- prunes - retain all the qualities of freshness, they are stored for a long time, without requiring a lot of space and special conditions;
- frozen plum- whole or in halves - another option for easy and complete preservation.
When defrosted, a chic set of vitamins and minerals goes to the thrifty owner or housewife.
Both options:
- tasty and practical filling for pies,
- additive for salads and desserts,
- just a treat.
Heat treatment allows you to prepare the most delicate, healthy:
- jams,
- aromatic jelly and compotes,
- transparent jellies,
- excellent jam.
The myth that it can be poisoned by hydrocyanic acid from plum pits is unfounded.
Acid decomposes already at 70 degrees heating, so boiling and sterilization guarantee its complete elimination in finished products.
Another use of plums is the main semi-finished product for marshmallows and marmalade.
The specific sour taste is used in sauces and marinades. Everyone knows and loves Tkemali sauce - it contains plum pulp.
Plum is an indispensable ingredient in the national Jewish dish “tzimmes”.
Contraindications and caution
There are few obstacles on the way to the table for the plum, but it is better to remember them.
Nursing mothers are advised Be careful with prunes.
It can cause colic in a baby, especially in the first months of life.
If you still want to try plums, it is better to eat 1-2 pieces in the first half of the day - to track the reaction of your baby’s tummy.
Suffering from diabetes it is better to refrain from plums, at least in large quantities. The reason lies in the caloric content and high glycemic index.
The benefits of plums for renal pathology are limited. For diseases of the excretory organs - glomerulonephritis and accompanying renal failure, it will do more harm than good.
Watch a video dedicated to beneficial properties plums In what form does it most fully reveal all its healing qualities?
