HEALTH : Plums; an important fruit with multiple values to our health

The plum is a small, fleshy fruit, it grows on tall trees and harvested while the fruit has yet to ripen. They are baked at a low temperature until the skin of the fruit turns black; at that point the plum stone, or seed, is removed, and the fruit is stored in a sealed container for later use. Its main functions are to stop prolonged, phlegmy coughs, restrain the intestines, and promote the production of body fluids. Black plum is high in citric acid, an important substance. Plum juice is a good source of fiber, including prebiotic fiber, which helps to feed and maintain good bacteria in the intestines that promote intestinal health. Plum juice also has other health benefits including a high level of anti-oxidants, minerals, and vitamins, particularly vitamin C. Plums even have a unique set of chemicals or phenols called neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids which are being investigated for their health benefits. The plum is truly an underappreciated fruit that’s beneficial not only for treatment of chronic constipation, but for maintenance of overall health. Plums are low in calories and contain no saturated fats; but contain numerous health promoting compounds, minerals and vitamins. Certain compounds present in the plum fruits such as dietary fiber, sorbitol and Isatin are known to help regulate the functioning of the digestive system and thereby used in constipation conditions. Fresh plums, especially yellow Mirabelle type, are very good source of vitamin A and beta carotene. Vitamin A is essential for vision. It is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural fruits rich in vitamin A,known to protect the body from lung and oral cavity cancers. They are also good source of antioxidant due to their richness in vitamin c. consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful free radicals. Plums are rich in minerals like potassium, copper, fluoride and iron. Iron is required for red blood cell formation. Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids that helps in controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Fruit’s health benefiting properties are because of their richness in vitamins, minerals, micro-nutrients, anti-oxidants which helps body prevent or at least prolong the natural changes of aging by protecting and rejuvenating cells, tissues and organs in the human body. With feeding on fruits, one is protecting himself from minor problems like wrinkling of skin, hair fall, memory loss to major ailments like age related macular degeneration of retina in the eyes, Alzheimer’s disease, colon cancers, weak bones (osteoporosis) Black plum should not be taken by patients who are diagnosed with exterior syndrome, or who have an accumulation of excessive heat internally. In addition, any plum that is very bitter should not be consumed due to the fact that it may have significant amounts of hydrogen cyanide. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide can stimulate respiration and improve digestion, but extremely large amounts can cause respiratory failure. As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with black plum. As always, make sure to speak with a licensed health care provider before taking black plum or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement. Ends