Just like persimmon, plums are a fruit that is both exquisite and very sweet, and tremendously juicy, making them an ideal healthy food for the summer.
They stand out because they have a series of very good benefits and properties for the body, helping to prevent even some diseases and disorders of the digestive system.
As you probably know, one of the main characteristics of plums is their ability to improve intestinal transit, helping those who suffer from constipation, while regulating digestion.
What are plums?
The plum is the fruit of the plum tree, constituting itself as a wonderful and nutritious fleshy fruit (or drupe) that possesses in its interior a seed, which is surrounded by a rather woody endocarp.
Did you know that there are many varieties of plums? They differ not only in color but also in size. For example, while some have reddish or yellow flesh or pulp, others may be white or green.
The most common variety and therefore consumed is the one known as Prunus domestica. And, among these varieties, we can name some known as plum claudia, mirabelle, damascena, golden, satsuma.
Although there are also some very popular ones in other countries, such as the Japanese plum tree (scientifically known as Prunus salicina).
Nutritional benefits of plums
The plums are very rich in vitamins, among which the vitamin E stands out, allied against the aging and with great antirust power; vitamin A and vitamin C.
It also possesses a diverse amount of minerals, among which potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium stand out, so we can say that, as it is known, plums help to improve depressive states, as well as anemia.
They provide a lot of energy and fiber and are highly recommended in slimming diets, not only for their vitamins, minerals, and fiber but also for their depurative properties.
Some experts recommend eating plums on an empty stomach so that you can benefit from absolutely all their properties, virtues, and benefits.
Nutritional information on plums
100 grams of plums provide:
- Energy: 46 kcal.
- Carbohydrates: 11.42 gr.
- Of which sugars: 9.92 gr.
- Proteins: 0.7 gr.
- Fats: 0.28 gr.
- Water: 87.23 gr.
- Fiber: 1.4 gr.
- Vitamins: vitamin A (17 mcg), vitamin B1 (0.02 mg), B2 (0.02 mg), B3 (0.41 mg), B5 (0.13 mg), B6 (0.02 mg), vitamin C (9.5 mg), vitamin E (0.26 mg), vitamin K1 (6.4 mcg).
- Minerals: calcium (6 mg), iron (0.17 mg), magnesium (7 mg), phosphorus (16 mg), potassium (157 mg), zinc (0.1 mg), copper (0.05 mg), manganese (0.05 mg)
Properties of the most important plums
Ideal against constipation
100 grams of plum provide about 1.4 grams of fiber. Or, what is the same, a plum provides about 0.9 grams of fiber, which becomes 0.3% of the recommended daily amount.
The plum becomes, therefore, an ideal fruit in case of constipation, thanks not only to its fiber content but also to the presence of sorbitol in its composition, which is the main “guilty” of giving this fruit its particular laxative quality.
Helps “cleanse” the stomach by acting as a natural laxative
Thanks precisely to its sorbitol content, some doctors advise its consumption to cleanse the stomach. Sorbitol is a polyalcohol sugar that is also found in other fruits such as pears, apples, peaches, peaches, and cherries.
For this reason, excessive consumption of plums is not recommended, precisely to avoid suffering the ravages of these laxative virtues.
Useful against high cholesterol
In the case of high cholesterol in the blood, its contribution to insoluble fiber helps in a very positive way to reduce high cholesterol, thanks to the fact that it can form a kind of viscous gel that fixes in the lipids.
High antioxidant capacity
Plums are ideal when it comes to reducing the action of free radicals, thanks to their high content of natural antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, which is the main element that gives them their characteristic color.
This article is published for information purposes only. It cannot and should not substitute for consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist.