What are the medicinal benefits and effects of plums?
Oct 16, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Ziyi
Introduction
Plums are rich in nutrients such as anthocyanins, beta-carotene, asparagine, chlorogenic acid, alanine, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Generally, plums have various health benefits, including promoting digestion, preventing blood stasis, relieving cough and expelling phlegm, promoting diuresis and reducing edema, and improving anemia. Amino acids in plums—such as serine, glycine, proline, and glutamine—contribute to diuretic and anti-edema effects.
Plums are rich in anthocyanins, β-carotene, asparagine, chlorogenic acid, alanine, and nutrients such as vitamin A and vitamin C. Generally speaking, plums have various health benefits including promoting digestion, preventing blood stasis, relieving cough and expelling phlegm, promoting diuresis and reducing edema, as well as improving anemia. The specific effects are analyzed as follows:
1. Promotes Digestion
Plums have a sour taste that can stimulate the secretion of gastric acid and digestive enzymes, while also enhancing gastrointestinal motility. Therefore, they help improve appetite and aid digestion, especially effective for individuals with insufficient stomach acid, post-meal fullness, or constipation.
2. Prevents Blood Stasis
Plums are rich in antioxidant components such as anthocyanins and vitamin C, which can effectively prevent blood stasis, maintain smooth blood circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
3. Relieves Cough and Expels Phlegm
The kernels of plums contain amygdalin and abundant fatty oils, which have diuretic and blood pressure-lowering effects. They can also accelerate intestinal peristalsis and facilitate the elimination of dry stools. Additionally, they possess properties that help relieve cough and remove phlegm.
4. Promotes Diuresis and Reduces Edema
Amino acids found in plums—such as serine, glycine, proline, and glutamine—have diuretic and anti-edema effects.
5. Improves Anemia
Plums not only contain abundant amino acids but are also rich in β-carotene, potassium, and iron, which can effectively alleviate symptoms of anemia such as dizziness. Moreover, vitamin B12 in plums promotes the regeneration of hemoglobin. Moderate consumption of plums is highly beneficial for individuals suffering from anemia.
It should be noted that although plums offer many health benefits, they should not be consumed in excess. Overconsumption may damage the spleen, stomach, and teeth, potentially leading to stomach pain, gastric ulcers, or acute and chronic gastroenteritis. If any physical discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance to support recovery.
