Summer is the season for ripe and juicy plums. These tart and crunchy fruits are a delight to many. While plums offer nutritional benefits, excessive consumption may lead to adverse effects on your health.
Avoid Overeating Plums
The focus here is on Northern plums, distinct from the Southern variety known as “king plums” or “roi plums.” The plum season typically spans from April to August annually, with diverse cultivars such as rice plums, late plums, steel plums, and three-flower plums. Generally, all types of plums boast high nutritional value with minimal differences. This fruit is an excellent source of dietary 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 prone to these issues.
Additionally, excessive plum consumption may impact the stomach, causing acid reflux and gut irritation, especially when consumed on an empty stomach.
Overindulging in Plums May Increase the Risk of Kidney Stones
Plums are high in oxalate, which combines with calcium to form precipitates. This reduces calcium absorption in the intestines, leading to long-term calcium deposits in the kidneys and urinary tract, ultimately forming stones.
Individuals with a history of kidney stones or a high risk of developing them should refrain from eating excessive plums to prevent aggravating the condition.
How Many Plums Should You Eat in a Day?
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 enjoying the benefits of plums, herbalist Bui Dac Sang recommends limiting your daily intake to 5-7 plums.
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 avoid pairing plums with excessive salt and spicy chili peppers. While this combination may enhance 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 or bruises. A white powdery coating on the surface is natural and indicates the plum’s self-preservation mechanism. Plums with a glossy skin coated with a thin layer of powder are freshly harvested and of superior quality.
Refrain from buying plums with signs of insect infestation, nail marks, or damage. Always wash plums thoroughly and soak them in diluted salt water for about 30 minutes before consumption to eliminate surface impurities. Rinsing plums under running water helps dislodge dirt and bacteria.
