Plum Juice: An Effective Laxative

Plums

Plums vary in sizes, but are usually somewhere around the size of a lemon. They also range in colors from dark blood red, bright red, orange to yellow and purple.  They have a velvety exterior due to its wax bloom, a white dusty coating.  Plums, when sliced, contain a single hard seed in its core; its juicy flesh is yellowish. This fruit tastes really sweet with a little tart; its tartness concentrates particularly in its skin.

History of plums goes all the way back to the writings of Confucius during the 479 B.C. Plums have been present in Chinese culture for many centuries and are included in the list of popular Chinese foods. The discovery of plums is still vague, that is because plums come in a lot of varieties and many countries claim that they originate from there. However, the most evident origin of plums is the before mentioned China where plums have been present since the ancient times. 

Plums are famous for its juice which can be fermented to form plum wine. There is also a brandy called “šljivovica” that is made from plums and comes from Eastern Europe. They can be also turned into a delicious jam. Plums are also popular dried when they are known as prunes. Prunes are also very healthy.

Plum Health Benefits

Plumes and prunes are known for their health benefits. So much that they were a subject of repeated health research especially because of the high amounts of phytonutrients such as neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid.

Antioxidants

As stated above, the phytonutrients in plums includes a lot of antioxidant substances called phenols. Do you know that diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, cognitive and heart diseases are all happening because of oxidation in our cells and tissues which damages the organs? Well, the oxidation process produces free radicals in our bodies which can be stopped with healthy diet that contain lots of antioxidants. Antioxidants in plums focus on removing free radicals that cause cancer and stopping oxidation that also accelerates aging.

Plums are also a rich source of yet another powerful antioxidant - vitamin C. This is a protective vitamin which defends our bodies against diseases.

Plums Were Recently Named One Of The SUPERFOODS

According to experts, plum ranks equal to the blueberries when it comes to antioxidant and phytonutrient contents.

Plums and Prunes are Effective Laxative

Both the fresh and dried version of plums are high in sorbitol content which triggers laxative action. There is also another substance responsible for this – isatin and fiber contents make the digestive process easier. Together, these substances made an effective and natural laxative of plums.

Reduce Weight

Plums reduce your cholesterol levels and including plums in your diet could helpyou lose weight.

Prevent Heart Diseases

The high potassium contents in plums helps protect your heart and blocks possible heart diseases.

Prevent Osteoporosis

Plums are rich in polyphenol which has the ability to enhance osteoblast activity and increases serum levels of insulin-like growth factor. This fruit also contains boron which has been proven to prevent osteoporosis.

Plum Nutritional Value

(per 1 cup or 165g of sliced plums)

75.9 Calories

Dietary Fibers:  2.3 g

Total Carbohydrate:  18.8 g

Total Fat:  0.5 g

Protein:  1.2 g

Vitamin A:  569 IU

Vitamin C:  15.7 mg

Vitamin K:  10.6 mg

Vitamin E:  0.4 mg

Niacin:  0.7 mg

Folate:  8.3 mcg

Pantothenic acid:  0.2 mg

Choline:  3.1 mg

Calcium:  9.9 mg

Iron:  0.3 mg

Magnesium:  11.6 mg

Phosphorus:  26.4 mg

Potassium:  259 mg

Zinc:  0.2 mg

Copper:  0.1 mg

Fluoride:  3.3 mcg

Phytosterols:  11.6 mg

Plum Juice Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500 g fresh plums
• 1 cup rose syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 cups water
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Prepare a medium-sized saucepan; pour water and fresh plums and simmer.
2. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before removing the pits.
3. Mix the plums in a blender, and then add remaining ingredients. Blend for a couple more minutes.
4. Pour the mixture in a pitcher and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
5. Put a plum slice just on the rim of the glass.
6. Serve and enjoy!

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