Plums are coming to market soon. They are rich in fiber, have a sweet and sour taste, and their flesh is soft and tender. Their color is also very appealing, making them a favorite for many people. So, what are the benefits of eating plums?
1. Stimulates appetite and aids digestion
Plums contain a large amount of aromatic volatile fatty substances that give them a unique fragrance, creating an appetizing temptation before consumption. Additionally, the sour taste of plums can stimulate the appetite, making them suitable for those with poor appetite. Moreover, plums are rich in plant acids, with citric acid being the most prominent. Consuming them stimulates the gastric glands to secrete a large amount of gastric juice, enhancing the stomach's digestive function. They are ideal to eat after meals to promote the digestion and absorption of food.
2. Lowers blood pressure, promotes bowel movement, and relieves cough
The kernel of the plum contains amygdalin and a large amount of fatty oil. Pharmacological studies have confirmed its significant diuretic and blood pressure-lowering effects. It can also accelerate intestinal peristalsis, promote the excretion of dry stools, and has cough-relieving and phlegm-expelling properties.
3. Clears heat and detoxifies
Plums are neutral in nature and sour in taste, possessing the effect of clearing internal heat. They primarily target the stomach and liver. Therefore, eating raw plums is very effective for treating "heatiness" and mouth ulcers caused by stomach heat and liver fire.
4. Moistens the intestines and promotes bowel movement
As a fruit, plums contain a high amount of water and dietary fiber. After consumption, they absorb water in the stomach and expand, increasing the moisture of food residue in the gastrointestinal tract, which helps to soften stool. They also stimulate gastrointestinal motility, accelerating the excretion of feces, making them beneficial for patients with constipation.
5. Beneficial for cardiovascular health
Plums are rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanins and vitamin C, which can effectively prevent blood clotting, maintain smooth blood circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
6. Enhances beauty and skin health
Plums also have beauty-enhancing properties. The most effective part is arguably the plum blossom. Plum blossoms are pure white, beautiful, simple, and elegant. They are bitter in taste and fragrant in aroma. When applied externally, they can remove acne and add a glow to the face. Plum juice and wine, known in ancient times as "wine to preserve beauty," can be consumed to improve facial complexion and prevent aging. If the plum kernel is ground into a powder and mixed with egg white to apply on the face, it can also remove dark spots.
7. Improves anemia and dizziness
Red-fleshed plums are not only rich in amino acids but also in beta-carotene, potassium, and iron, which can effectively improve anemia and dizziness. Furthermore, the vitamin B12 in plums promotes the regeneration of hemoglobin, making moderate consumption of plums very beneficial for anemic individuals.
8. Moistens the throat and vocal cords
Plums have a high water content and fatty oils, and are neutral in nature. They have multiple functions such as clearing heat, moistening the throat, and opening the voice. They are suitable for people who frequently use their voices, such as teachers and actors, helping to avoid hoarseness and loss of voice.
9. Nourishes the liver and promotes urination
Fresh plum flesh contains various amino acids, such as glutamine, serine, glycine, and proline. Eating them raw is very beneficial for treating liver cirrhosis and ascites. In traditional Chinese medicine, plums are often used in prescriptions. The famous Tang dynasty physician Sun Simiao said, "Liver disease should be treated with plums." The *Suwen* (a classic of TCM) also states that the taste of plums corresponds to the liver. The *Medical Forest Essentials* believes plums can "nourish the liver, purge liver heat, and remove stasis." The *Quanzhou Materia Medica* describes plums as having the effect of "clearing damp-heat, resolving toxins, promoting urination, and quenching thirst." In ancient times, plums were often used to treat liver diseases. For patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites, eating fresh plums can have an auxiliary therapeutic effect.