What are The Health Benefits of Plums?

The plum is very appetizing in spring and summer. It is the fruit of the plum tree (Prunus domestica), a tree belonging to the Rosaceae family and the Prunus genus, like the peach and the almond tree. The European varieties later brought to America, have their origin in the Caucasus area, while the oriental ones come from China. There the plum symbolizes tenacity in the face of adversity, as it blooms in winter, while in Japan it represents wealth and abundance, perhaps because its flowers herald spring. It is also known that the ancient Egyptians already cultivated them and that the dried ones were part of the provisions for the afterlife that were deposited in the pyramids.

Plum Properties

The plum is rich in water (83%), fiber (2%), and carbohydrates (11%), but hardly contains fat (0.2%) or protein (0.8%). About 100 grams of fresh plums provide potassium (190 mg) and, to a lesser extent, calcium (14 mg), phosphorus (10 mg), magnesium (8 mg), and iron (0.10 mg). They also contain notable amounts of vitamin C (9 mg), provitamin A (30 mcg), and vitamin E (0.7 mg).

Plum Benefits

This nutritional composition makes the plum an energetic, alkalizing, purifying, refreshing, light and invigorating food, capable of stimulating the nervous system and combating fatigue. Due to its low caloric content and its draining action, it is recommended in case of being overweight. The juice extracted from its pulp cleanses and tones the body, making it suitable for carrying out cures, both in spring and summer. It is enough to take a glass twice a day before meals to obtain good results.

Plums' nutritional value (per 100 grams)

• Calories: 48.10 kcal

• Total fat: 0.17g