Home
Articles
Q&A

What are the effects and benefits of plums?

Sep 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, as a common summer fruit, plums have various functions and benefits, including promoting saliva secretion to relieve thirst, aiding digestion, providing nutrients, clearing heat from the liver and promoting urination, and improving appetite. When consuming plums, one should pay attention to selecting ripe fruits and avoid excessive intake to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort caused by fruit acids. Moreover, unripe plums contain higher levels of tannic acid and should not be consumed.

Generally speaking, as a common summer fruit, plums have several functions and benefits, including promoting salivation to relieve thirst, aiding digestion, providing nutrition, clearing the liver and promoting diuresis, and improving appetite. The specific details are as follows:

1. Promoting salivation and relieving thirst: Plums have a sweet and sour taste and contain abundant moisture, which can stimulate saliva secretion, effectively alleviating discomfort caused by summer heat or dry mouth. They are especially suitable for consumption during hot weather when perspiration is high, helping the body replenish fluids and providing a refreshing sensation.

2. Promoting digestion: Plums are rich in fruit acids, which can stimulate gastrointestinal motility, accelerate digestion in the gastrointestinal tract, improve indigestion, and bloating. Additionally, these acids aid in breaking down fats and proteins in food, reducing the digestive burden on the stomach and intestines.

3. Providing nutrition: Plums are rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and various minerals such as potassium and magnesium. These nutrients supply the body with daily energy needs, participate in metabolic processes, and help maintain normal functions of organs such as the skin and eyes.

4. Clearing the liver and promoting diuresis: From a traditional perspective, plums possess certain effects of clearing the liver and promoting diuresis. They are suitable for conditions such as red and swollen eyes and difficulty in urination caused by excessive liver fire. Moderate consumption can assist in regulating liver function, promoting the elimination of excess water from the body, and improving the body's metabolic state.

5. Improving appetite: The sweet and sour taste of plums can stimulate the taste buds, awakening appetite. For individuals experiencing poor appetite due to hot weather, moderate consumption can help enhance the desire to eat, improve low food intake, and ensure the body receives sufficient nutrition.

When consuming plums, it is important to choose ripe fruits and avoid excessive intake, which may irritate the gastrointestinal tract with fruit acids and cause discomfort. Moreover, unripe plums contain high levels of tannic acid and should not be consumed.

Related Articles

View All
What are the risks and side effects of hyaluronic acid?
Injecting hyaluronic acid directly into the skin can indeed quickly smooth wrinkles, augment the nasal bridge, or plump the lips, but it is not without risk. Once the needle enters the body, reversible or even irreversible complications may occur. It is recommended to choose a licensed medical facility and a qualified physician, and use products approved by the National Medical Products Administration. Patients should fully disclose their history of allergies, bleeding tendencies, and previous fillers before the procedure.
avatar
Dr. Lv Renrong
View Full Answer
What Are the Seven Taboos of Eating Plums
Generally speaking, there is no such thing as the "seven prohibitions of eating plums." However, it's important to avoid consumption by unsuitable individuals, control the total amount consumed, refrain from eating with certain foods, avoid unripe fruits, and never eat rotten or spoiled ones. People with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold should avoid eating plums, as their cooling nature may加重 gastrointestinal burden.
avatar
Dr. Yu Yongchao
View Full Answer
What are the ten major禁忌 (taboos) of eating plums?
On an empty stomach, the concentration of gastric acid in the stomach is relatively high. The organic acids in plums can further irritate the gastric mucosa, potentially causing discomfort such as stomach spasms and acid reflux, with more pronounced effects in individuals with weak gastrointestinal function. People with gastrointestinal disorders should consume plums cautiously; those suffering from conditions such as gastritis or gastric ulcers should avoid eating them altogether. Plums are considered cooling in nature and contain tannic acid, which may increase the digestive burden on the gastrointestinal tract.
avatar
Dr. Yu Yongchao
View Full Answer
What are the effects and benefits of plums?
Under normal circumstances, the main benefits and effects of plums include supplementing vitamins, promoting digestion, stimulating saliva production to relieve thirst, replenishing body fluids, and aiding bowel movements. Fresh plums can be washed and eaten directly, but consumption should be moderated, as excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal irritation due to organic acids, leading to discomfort such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Unripe plums contain higher levels of tannic acid, resulting in a sour and astringent taste, and are thus not suitable for consumption.
avatar
Dr. Yu Yongchao
View Full Answer
What are the correct ways to eat pomegranate?
Under normal circumstances, the proper ways to eat pomegranate mainly include peeling and eating the seeds directly, drinking the juice after extraction, consuming with yogurt, using as a garnish in salads, boiling in water, or adding to soups. Different methods of consumption offer varied textures and help better preserve the nutritional value of pomegranate. When consuming pomegranate regularly, attention should be paid to selecting fresh, plump pomegranates with intact skin without any damage.
avatar
Dr. Yu Yongchao
View Full Answer
How to eat pomegranate
Under normal circumstances, common ways to eat pomegranates include peeling the seeds by hand and eating them directly, using tools to extract the seeds for consumption, juicing the pomegranate for drinking, pairing it with yogurt or desserts, or using it to flavor boiled water or soups. Different methods of consumption can meet various needs while effectively utilizing the nutrients in pomegranates. When selecting pomegranates for daily use, choose those that are bright red, plump, and feel heavy. If not consuming all the seeds immediately, store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days.
avatar
Dr. Yu Yongchao
View Full Answer
Can you eat unripe pomegranate?
Under normal circumstances, it is not recommended to consume unripe pomegranates. When selecting pomegranates, one can observe their appearance, choosing those with bright red, glossy skins and a heavy feel. One may also gently squeeze the fruit; those that feel plump and elastic are usually ripe. If a small amount of unripe pomegranate is accidentally consumed and mild discomfort occurs, drinking more warm water may help alleviate symptoms. If symptoms persist, prompt medical attention should be sought.
avatar
Dr. Yu Yongchao
View Full Answer
Is it safe to eat white mushrooms that have a black ring inside?
Under normal circumstances, whether white mushrooms with a black ring inside are edible needs to be determined based on specific circumstances. When selecting and storing white mushrooms, it is important to choose fresh specimens with plump caps, white gills, and no unpleasant odor, and to avoid purchasing mushrooms showing signs of darkening or softening. After purchase, mushrooms should be promptly refrigerated and not stored for extended periods. They should be thoroughly washed before consumption to ensure food safety.
avatar
Dr. Yu Yongchao
View Full Answer
彩牛养生

Your trusted source for health information and wellness guidance.

Quick Links

Resources

Connect

© 2024 HealthPortal. All rights reserved.