Summer is the season for ripe, juicy 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 are nutritionally dense and fairly similar. They are rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. These nutrients aid digestion, slow down aging, and boost immunity.
Despite their nutritional value, plums should not be consumed in excess. Overeating plums can lead to internal heat, mouth ulcers, and acne breakouts. Individuals with a hot 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 Stone Formation
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, resulting in stone formation.
Individuals with a history of kidney stones or those at high risk for developing them should refrain from consuming large amounts of plums to prevent exacerbating their condition.
How Many Plums Should You Eat in a Day?
Plums are delicious and packed with nutrients, offering numerous health benefits. However, moderation is key. According to VTC News, to avoid overburdening your digestive and renal systems while still deriving the benefits of plums, traditional medicine practitioner 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 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, sweet-tart plums, choose ones with a color transitioning from green to red. For softer, fully ripe plums, select those that are entirely red but not overly soft, as they may be overripe or fermented.
Refrain from buying plums that are bruised, scratched, or show signs of insect infestation or human tampering, such as fingernail marks.
Always wash plums thoroughly before consumption. Soak them in a dilute salt solution for about 30 minutes to eliminate surface contaminants. Rinsing plums under running water helps dislodge dirt and bacteria.
