All fruits have different properties that help us maintain good health. The plum is no exception and, in addition to having a peculiar taste that hovers between sweet and sour, it contains vitamins and other properties that you should know.
The plum is a laxative, depurative and energetic fruit.. However, it has many other attributes. It is common to find it during spring and summer, so you have to take advantage of these seasons to consume it, besides it is the most delicious time of the year.
Know all the properties and benefits of this fruit
The plum has mainly vitamins A, E and C. Although it also contains minerals, fiber, carbohydrates and water. All this makes it a fruit with high nutritional value, so it is advisable to consume it regularly.
It is best to eat it directly, but also a plum juice can provide the same benefits with a more concentrated flavor.. Learn about the properties and benefits of plums that make them an exceptional fruit.
1. Antioxidant
Plum is a fruit with antioxidant properties. Like all fruits and vegetables with a reddish color, plums are an important source of antioxidants. This function helps to fight cell degeneration.
This is why plums can help fight free radicals, which are responsible for cell aging, not only in the skin, but also in internal organs.
2. Laxative
One of the best known properties of plums is their laxative effect. For this reason it is not recommended to eat them in excess in a short time. However, if you are going through an episode of constipation, plums can be of great help..
Due to the large amount of water and fiber it contains, the plum is a laxative fruit. On the other hand, if consumed in moderation, it can help in liver purification, precisely because of its laxative function.
- You may be interested in: “Probiotic foods: what are they and which are the 8 we can buy”.
3. Energetic
The plum is a fruit that provides energy. It is even recommended for people with high physical activity but also intellectual. The plum has an important content of vitamin A, E and C which provide an important dose of energy.
It can be consumed at those times when extra energy is required, or on a regular and constant basis to maintain those levels of energy and concentration throughout the day.
4. Diuretic
In addition to being a laxative, plums also have diuretic properties. This is due to the high amounts of potassium it contains. It is also effective in relieving fluid retention that causes swelling..
Consuming plums in moderation and constantly, helps to maintain a balance in the amount of water in the body. For in addition to this diuretic property, it should be remembered that the plum is composed of a large amount of water.
5. Combats anemia
The plum is a fruit that contains significant amounts of iron. Iron is essential to prevent anemia. It should be consumed together with a portion of vitamin C, since it allows the absorption of iron. However, the plum also has this vitamin, so it is a complete alternative in the absorption of iron.
In cases of mild anemia, the consumption of plums can be of great help. It also contains other minerals and vitamins that make plums a fruit with a high nutritional value.
6. Helps to lose weight
In a diet to lose weight, plums should be included. As already mentioned, plums have laxative, diuretic and energetic properties. It is also multivitaminic, for this reason it is an ideal fruit to include in weight loss diets.
Added to this, plum has a very low caloric amount, so it will be providing nutrients to our body without adding calories.. For this reason plum is a fruit that can be consumed during a diet regime.
7. Fighting coughs
A little known benefit of the plum is to help expel phlegm. When the cough is productive, that is to say, there is an important accumulation of phlegm or mucus, plums help to expel them.
Plums can be consumed raw, but they can also be added to an infusion with honey and lemon to help soothe the throat and enhance the expectorant effect of the plum.
8. Facilitate digestion
The amount of fiber and water in plums help regulate digestive function. Although plums have a laxative effect, consuming them in moderation but constantly helps to regulate intestinal and digestive function.
For this reason it is not recommended to eat plums only in episodes of constipation, but to eat them regularly to help the intestine in its function and thus regulate the digestive process.
9. Eye health
Plums contain a significant amount of vitamin A and, as is well known, this vitamin promotes eye health. In addition, it contains antioxidants, which help prevent macular degeneration.
It should be remembered that antioxidants are involved in any degenerative process in the body, helping to slow it down. One of the organs most prone to deterioration is the eye, which is why plums, with their antioxidants, are a great ally for our eye health..
10. Purifying
The plum is a depurative fruit. Due to its laxative, diuretic and antioxidant properties, the plum is an ideal fruit to help in the depurative processes of the body. Its intake facilitates the elimination of toxins through urine and feces.
This is another of the properties and benefits of plums. So during the season in which plum is easily found, it is a good time to take advantage of its benefits and include it in the daily diet to use it as a depurative food.
11. Strengthens the nervous system
The potassium contained in the plum is an aid in strengthening the nervous system. One of the properties of potassium is to maintain good communication between the nerves and muscles.
The plum is an ideal food to help this purpose, since its potassium content is significant. It also helps to counteract the harmful effects of sodium on the body, which destabilizes blood pressure.
12. Prevents cardiovascular diseases
Among the properties and benefits of plums is that of preventing heart disease. This is due to the high amount of vitamin C it contains. All foods containing this vitamin are recommended to take care of cardiovascular health.
So to prevent hypertension and related ailments, eating plums can be of great help. In addition to the diuretic and antioxidant functions of this fruit, they are also of great help to counteract the risk of developing these diseases.
13. They help to have healthy skin and hair
Beautiful hair and radiant skin are benefits offered by plums. One of the most outstanding properties of this fruit is its high content of antioxidants. These elements help protect the skin and hair from free radicals.
Whether in raw form or in juice, frequent consumption of plums is recommended to maintain radiant skin and strong hair.. The internal and external factors that unleash free radicals can be minimized by including plums in the diet.
- Want to know more about foods and their properties: “9 aphrodisiac foods to awaken more than just the senses”.