Summer is the season for ripe and juicy plums. These tart and crunchy fruits are a favorite for many. While plums offer high nutritional value, they should be consumed in moderation to avoid any adverse effects on your health.
Avoid Overeating Plums
The plum referred to here is the Northern plum, distinct from the Southern plum or “king plum.” Plum season typically spans from April to August annually, with various cultivars such as rice plum, honey plum, steel plum, and three-flower plum. In general, all types of plums boast high nutritional value with minimal differences. This fruit is typically rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. These nutrients aid digestion, slow down the aging process, and boost immunity.
Despite their nutritional benefits, plums should not be consumed in excess. Overeating plums can lead to internal heat, mouth ulcers, and acne breakouts. Individuals with a hot body constitution are particularly susceptible to these issues.
Additionally, excessive plum consumption may impact your stomach, causing acid reflux and gut irritation, especially when consumed on an empty stomach.
Excessive Plum Consumption May Increase the Risk of Kidney Stones
Plums contain high levels of oxalate, which, when combined with calcium, forms precipitates that reduce calcium absorption in the intestines. Over time, this can lead to calcium deposits in the kidneys and urinary tract, resulting in the formation of kidney stones.
Individuals with a history of kidney stones or those at high risk for developing them should refrain from consuming large quantities of plums to prevent exacerbating their condition.
How Many Plums Should You Eat in a Day?
Plums are delicious and packed with nutrients, but it’s important not to overeat them. According to VTC News, to avoid overburdening your digestive and renal systems while still deriving the benefits of plums, herbalist Bui Dac Sang recommends limiting your intake to 5-7 plums per day.
Additionally, individuals with stomach, liver, or kidney ailments should exercise moderation when consuming plums.
Pregnant women can eat plums but should do so in moderation to prevent internal heat, mouth ulcers, and acne breakouts.
It is also advisable to refrain from consuming plums with excessive salt and spicy chili peppers. While this combination may enhance the flavor, it can irritate the stomach and increase the risk of digestive issues. High salt intake is also detrimental to blood pressure and cardiovascular health.
Selecting Ripe Plums and Ensuring Proper Hygiene
When purchasing plums, opt for those with a round, uniform shape and intact skin, free from scratches, bruises, or insect damage. A white powdery coating on the surface is natural and indicates the plum’s self-preservation mechanism. Plums with a glossy skin and a thin layer of natural powder are freshly harvested and of superior quality.
If you prefer crisp and sweet plums, choose ones with a color transition from green to red. For softer, fully ripened plums, select those that are entirely red. However, avoid overly soft plums to prevent consuming bruised or fermented fruits.
Refrain from buying plums that are damaged, scratched, or show signs of insect infestation or human tampering, such as fingernail marks.
Always wash plums thoroughly before consumption. Soaking them in a dilute salt solution for about 30 minutes helps eliminate surface contaminants. Rinsing plums under running water effectively removes dirt and bacteria.
