How Do Plums Work?
Plums possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and memory-boosting properties. They contain phenols, particularly anthocyanins, which are antioxidants (1). Who Can Consume It? Plums can be consumed by all, even during pregnancy and breastfeeding. How Often? 3 to 6 plums a day. Caution Excess consumption may increase the risk of kidney stones, bloating, and constipation.
Julie Upton, RD, says, “The phytonutrients in plums may have antioxidant activity and this can help to keep blood vessels healthy. Since many types of dementia are linked to the health of the blood vessels in the brain, plums may be a healthy addition to one’s diet to reduce the risk of several chronic conditions.” Intake of plums is associated with improved cognition, bone health, and heart health. They also have a low glycemic index, so eating them is unlikely to cause spikes in your blood sugar levels. They are available from May through October – and in several varieties. Some of those include black plums, greengage plums, red plums, mirabelle plums, plucots, yellow plums, pluots, and umeboshi plums (a staple in Japanese cuisine).
How Can Plums Benefit You?
1. Plums Help Treat Constipation
Plums are rich in fiber and help treat constipation (2). The phenolic compounds in plums also offer laxative effects. Prunes (the dried versions of plums) also improve stool frequency and consistency, thereby boosting gastrointestinal function (3). Regular intake of prunes can improve stool consistency better than psyllium (a plantain, the seeds of which are used as a laxative) (4). Specific carotenoids and polyphenols in plums may also stimulate gastrointestinal digestion (5). However, studies stress the need for further research in this aspect.
2. Aid Diabetes Treatment
The various bioactive compounds in plums are at play here. These are sorbitol, quinic acid, chlorogenic acids, vitamin K1, copper, potassium, and boron. These nutrients work synergistically and help cut the risk of diabetes (6). Plums also increase serum levels of adiponectin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels (7). The fiber in plums can also help – it slows down the rate at which your body absorbs carbs and may help in weight management. Plums can also increase insulin sensitivity – thereby aiding diabetes treatment (8). The phenolic compounds in plums can be attributed to these effects. Snacking on dried plums can also increase satiety and reduce the risk of diabetes and other serious diseases. Just be careful to limit the serving to 4-5 prunes as they are sugar-dense as well. It is best to complement with some protein, such as a small handful of nuts.
3. May Help Prevent Cancer
A study found that the fiber and polyphenols in dried plums could help alter colorectal cancer risk factors (9). In other lab tests, plum extracts managed to kill even the most aggressive forms of breast cancer cells. More interestingly, the normal healthy cells remained unaffected (10). This effect was linked to two compounds in plums – the chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids. Though these acids are quite common in fruits, plums seem to contain them in surprisingly high levels.
4. Can Protect The Heart
Prunes (or plums) can control hypertension, thereby protecting the heart. In a study, individuals who consumed prune juice or prunes had lower blood pressure levels. These individuals also had lower levels of bad cholesterol and total cholesterol (11). Another study found that regular intake of prunes could lower cholesterol levels. In the study, men diagnosed with high cholesterol were given 12 prunes to eat over eight weeks. Post the trial, they saw an improvement in their blood cholesterol levels (12). Eating dried plums can also slow down the development of atherosclerosisi A buildup of plaque in and along the artery walls due to cholesterol, fats, and other substances. (13).
5. Promote Bone Health
Prune intake is associated with a reduced risk of osteoporosisi A systemic skeletal disorder that results in the reduction of bone density, increasing the risk of fractures. . Plum is considered the most effective fruit for preventing and reversing bone loss (14). Dried plums also increase bone mass density. Some research speculates that this effect could be due to the presence of rutin (a bioactive compound) in plums (15). But more research is needed – as to why exactly plums promote bone health. Another way plum benefits your bones is through its vitamin K content. This nutrient helps improve calcium balance in the body, thereby boosting bone health. Dried plums have a higher vitamin K content and can be far more beneficial in this regard (16). Dried plums can also serve as an ideal food for preventing bone loss in postmenopausal women (17). Plums also contain certain phytonutrients that fight oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can make the bones porous and easily prone to breakage, often contributing to osteoporosis (18).
6. Promote Cognitive Health
Studies show that the polyphenols in Oriental plums can improve cognitive function and reduce brain cholesterol levels (19). This can also mean a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseasei Degenerative nerve diseases can affect a variety of bodily processes, like balance, mobility, speech, breathing, and heart function. . In rat studies, consumption of plum juice proved to be effective in mitigating cognitive deficits related to aging (20). Similar effects were not observed with dried plum powder, though. The chlorogenic acid in plums (and prunes) can also help reduce anxiety (21).
7. May Boost Immunity
A study done on poultry showed that plums might have properties that can help enhance the immune system. Chickens fed with plums in their diets showed greater recovery from a parasitic disease (22). Similar results in humans are yet to be observed, and research is ongoing.
8. May Aid Weight Loss
Julie says, “Like any type of fruit, plums can aid weight in losing weight and keeping it off. This is because fruit is generally low in calories and contains filling fiber. It also carries a lot of water and that helps to keep you satisfied as well. One plum has just 30 calories, about a gram of fiber, and provides several essential nutrients like vitamins C and A, potassium, and copper. They are also rich in beneficial phytonutrients that may have health-promoting qualities.” Plums have a high polyphenol content that may help prevent weight gain and other obesity-induced metabolic and physiological disorders (23). They may help regulate energy in people with obesity and have insulin-like and heart-protective effects. Moreover, plum is a low-calorie fruit that can be a good option to include in your weight-loss diet.
9. May Aid Fetal Development
A study showed that the oral administration of plum extract in pregnant mice resulted in increased bone development and formation in the fetus (24). However, more research is required to verify that it has the same effect on humans. More benefits of plums are yet to be discovered. But what we have learned until now is enough testimony to make plums a regular part of our diet. If you aren’t convinced, take a look at the nutritional profile of plums.
What Is The Nutrition Profile Of Plums?
Source: USDA, Plums, raw One cup of plums (165 grams) contains about 76 calories. It also contains:
2.3 grams of fiber 15.7 milligrams of vitamin C (26% of the daily value) 10.6 micrograms of vitamin K (13% of the DV) 569 IU of vitamin A (11% of the DV) 259 milligrams of potassium (7% of the DV)
How To Use Plums
Look for plums that are slightly firm, juicy, sweet, and somewhat yield to pressure. Don’t go for those that are already soft or bruised. You can even add plums to pies, ice pops, oatmeal, salads, yogurt, smoothies, and pudding. You can add dried plums (or prunes) to cakes, ice cream, salads, chicken or pork dishes, and dressings. Including plums in your regular meals can be easy and fun. Here are a few effective options for doing so:
Try baking plums into crumbles and tarts. Add fresh plums to your breakfast cereal or oatmeal. Blend plums into smoothies for a nutritious boost. Make your own homemade plum chutney or jam to use as a spread. Use plums in salads for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Rinku, a food blogger, shared how she tweaked a plum compote recipe to make it her own in her blog post. She said, “Mixing up cardamom instead of the suggested cinnamon gives this compote a somewhat earthy fragrance (i).” She further goes on to add the different ways in which she enjoyed this delicious compote. She said, “I think it is perfect any and all times of the day, spooned over toast or pancakes for breakfast and with yogurt or cake as a dessert. I have been enjoying this with yogurt, pecans and a little extra honey.”
Do Plums Have Side Effects?
Though not many, plums do have side effects.
Kidney Stones
Plums reduce urinary pH (25). This may potentially cause kidney stones. Hence, people with a history of kidney stones must avoid plums. However, we need more research on this, so consult your doctor.
Other Potential Effects
The sorbitol in plums may cause bloating (26). The fiber they contain, if taken in excess, may also cause constipation. Can plums provide relief from skin conditions like eczema or acne? Krutika Nanavati, RDN, says, “Although certain vitamins and antioxidants in plums, like vitamins C and A, contribute to skin health, no conclusive evidence shows plums directly improve eczema or acne. The anti-inflammatory properties of some plum compounds might theoretically offer mild benefits, but further research is needed. While dietary factors can influence skin health, addressing existing conditions like eczema or acne should primarily focus on prescribed treatments with dermatological consultation.” Do plums help with chronic pain? Krutika says, “No substantial scientific evidence suggests plums directly alleviate chronic pain. Some plum compounds possess anti-inflammatory properties, which could theoretically contribute to pain management, but clinical studies are lacking. While research on the pain-relieving properties of plums is ongoing, they should not be considered a substitute for established pain management strategies prescribed by healthcare professionals.” How to store plums? You can store plums in the refrigerator. If they are not yet ripe, you can keep them in a paper bag at room temperature until they ripen. How are plums different from prunes and peaches? While prunes are just dried plums, peaches are different fruits. All three belong to the same genus, though. How long do plums last? Plums last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator if fully ripe. How to tell if plums have gone bad? If plums develop dark spots, become too soft, and begin to ooze – they are spoiled. Discard such plums. In some cases, plums may also develop mold and an off-putting smell – discard them. How many plums should I eat a day? Adults can consume up to 4-6 plums a day, while children can eat 2-3 plums in a day. However, consuming too many plums in a single sitting should be avoided as it can lead to gastrointestinal problems or diarrhea (27). Can I eat plum at night? It is not recommended to eat fruits at night as it can hinder your sleep, cause a spike in sugar levels, and lead to problems in digestion. Is plum hot or cold for the body? Plums come under the category of warm fruits and are said to be beneficial for treating cough and cold. Is plum good for fatty liver? Yes, plums are made of soluble fiber that can aid in reducing cholesterol levels in the body and also control cholesterol in a fatty liver (12). Can I eat plum on an empty stomach? Yes, plums can be consumed on an empty stomach. Only citrus fruits should be avoided before breakfast as they lead to acidity. Are plums good for your hair? Yes, there are numerous beautifying benefits of plums. It can aid in cleansing your scalp, stimulating follicles, targeting dandruff, and promoting hair growth due to its rich vitamin C content. (28). Can plum fruit skin be eaten? Yes, plum fruit skin is edible and can be consumed after washing.
Illustration: Health Benefits Of Plums How To Use Them & Side Effects
