Summer is the season for juicy, ripe plums. These tart and sweet fruits with a crisp bite have captivated many. While plums offer significant nutritional benefits, they should be consumed in moderation to avoid any adverse effects on your health.
Avoid Overeating Plums
The plums referred to here are Northern plums, distinct from the Southern variety known as “mận roi.” The plum season typically spans from April to August annually, with diverse cultivars such as mận cơm, mận hậu, mận thép, and mận tam hoa. Generally, 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, consuming large quantities of plums may impact your stomach, causing acid reflux and gut irritation, especially when eaten on an empty stomach.
Excessive Plum Consumption May Increase the Risk of Kidney Stones
Plums are high in oxalates, which, when combined with calcium, form precipitates. This reduces calcium absorption in the intestines and, over time, can lead to calcium deposits in the kidneys and urinary tract, forming stones.
Individuals with a history of kidney stones or those at high risk for this condition should refrain from consuming large quantities of plums to prevent exacerbating their condition.
How Many Plums Should You Eat Daily?
Plums are delicious and packed with nutrients, offering multiple health benefits. However, moderation is key. According to VTC News, to avoid overburdening your digestive and renal systems while still reaping the benefits of plums, herbalist Bùi Đắc Sáng 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. 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, intact skin, and no scratches or bruises. 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 powder are freshly harvested and ripe.
Refrain from buying plums with signs of insect infestation, scratches, or fingermarks. Always wash plums thoroughly and soak them in a dilute salt solution for about 30 minutes before consumption to eliminate surface contaminants. Rinsing plums under running water helps dislodge dirt and bacteria.
