Summer is the season for ripe, juicy plums. These sweet and sour fruits with a crunchy texture have captivated many. While plums offer nutritional benefits, excessive consumption may lead to adverse health effects.
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, honey 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 susceptible to these issues.
Additionally, excessive plum consumption may impact the stomach, causing acid reflux and gut irritation, especially when consumed on an empty stomach.
Overindulgence 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 consuming excessive plums to prevent exacerbating the condition.
How Many Plums Should You Eat Daily?
Plums are delicious and packed with nutrients, but moderation is key. According to VTC News, to avoid overburdening the digestive and renal systems while still reaping the benefits of plums, herbalist Bui Dac Sang recommends limiting consumption to 5-7 plums per day.
Additionally, individuals with stomach, liver, or kidney ailments should exercise moderation in eating plums. Pregnant women can consume plums but should do so in moderation to prevent internal heat, mouth ulcers, and acne breakouts.
It is also advisable to refrain from 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 in 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 a dilute salt solution for about 30 minutes before consumption to eliminate surface impurities. Rinsing plums under running water helps dislodge dirt and bacteria.
