Summer is the season for ripe, juicy plums. These tart and crunchy fruits are a delight to 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 “mận roi.” Plum season typically spans from April to August annually, with diverse cultivars such as mận cơm, mận hậu, mận thép, and mận tam hoa. Overall, plums are nutrient-rich, offering ample fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. These nutrients aid digestion, slow aging, and boost immunity.
Despite their nutritional value, overeating plums should be avoided. Indulging in too many 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.
Excessive Plum Consumption May Increase Kidney Stone Risk
Plums are high in oxalates, which, when combined with calcium, form precipitates that reduce calcium absorption in the intestines. Over time, this can lead to calcium deposits in the kidneys and urinary tract, forming stones.
Individuals with a history of kidney stones or a high risk for developing them should refrain from consuming large quantities of plums to prevent exacerbating the condition.
How Many Plums Should You Eat Daily?
Plums are delicious and nutritious, but moderation is key. According to VTC News, to avoid overburdening the digestive and renal systems, traditional medicine practitioner Bùi Đắc Sáng recommends limiting plum intake to 5-7 fruits per day.
Additionally, individuals with stomach, liver, or kidney ailments should exercise moderation in 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 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, intact shape and undamaged skin. 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 of superior quality.
Refrain from buying plums with scratches, insect infestations, or thumbprint marks. Always wash plums thoroughly and soak them in a dilute salt solution for about 30 minutes before consumption to eliminate surface contaminants. Rinsing under running water helps dislodge dirt and bacteria.
