Plum - fruit or berry?

Plum is considered to be a natural hybrid of blackthorn and cherry-plum. Used in medicine, cosmetology and naturally in cooking... Plum is found in almost every garden area due to its pleasant taste.

It grows on all continents except Antarctica. According to scientists, about 2000 varieties have been bred among domestic plums. In this article, we will take a closer look at what the benefits are, and what harm a drain can cause to the health of men and women.

Plum - fruit or berry?

Plum is a fruit tree that ripens in temperate latitudes. Its fruit is an oblong-shaped monoscrew, which is covered with a thin, usually blue skin..

Plum - fruit or berry?
Plum fruits have an oblong shape
The most popular varieties of the presented fruit include: Alycha, Chinese, Anna Shpet, Medovaya, Belarusian ordinary Hungarian. Their fruits differ in shape, size, color and taste.

Plums are available all year round, but the juiciest ones are sold from May to early September. When choosing fruits, simple rules are followed:

  • give away preference for firm fruit with a dense skin, regardless of color - yellow, black, white, red or blue;
  • exclude the presence of damaged or immature areas;
  • choose fruits grown in vivo, not in greenhouses;
  • refuse from the purchase of overly soft plums covered with a thin shell.

Almost all parts of the plum are used - flowers, bark, leaves, seeds and ripe fruits. Due to its composition, fresh and dried fruits have the following beneficial properties:

  1. Improving memory... Associated with the neutralization of damaged cells.
  2. Protection of blood vessels and their cleansing from cholesterol plaques... Helps prevent the development of atherosclerosis, lower blood pressure.
  3. Antipyretic effect when consumed dry.
  4. Strengthening immunitydue to the high content of vitamin C.
  5. Regulation of water-salt balance, removing excess fluid from the body.
  6. Maintaining eye health and visual acuity, strengthening of the mucous membrane.
  7. Prevention of diseases such as arthritis, heart attack, cancer, asthma.
  8. Stimulating the digestive tract, increased appetite, lowering the level of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
  9. Nervous system protection, normalization of sleep, getting rid of stress.
  10. Plum masks used for cosmetic purposes. They restore skin elasticity and have a good anti-aging effect.
  11. Wound healing action when using a decoction.
  12. Reduced anxiety, increased production of serotonin.
  13. With iron deficiency anemia.
  14. Risk reduction heart attack.
  15. Prolongation of youth and longevity.

Athletes are encouraged to include plums in their daily diet.... The potassium contained in the composition promotes muscle contraction after active workouts.

Unripe plums do not provide much health benefits. If the taste is too sour, the fruit should be left at room temperature until fully ripe.

Energy value and nutrients

The question is often asked: "How many calories are in plums and can they be consumed while dieting?" The calorie content of plums averages 42 kilograms of calories for every 100 grams (3 pieces). This fruit is a low-calorie product that has excellent cleansing abilities.... This feature allows you to answer the exciting question: "Is it possible to lose weight on plums?" Contains proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, magnesium, iodine and other elements. It should be noted that dried plums (prunes) are higher in calories than fresh ones - 255 kcal.

Plum - fruit or berry?
Prunes are more nutritious than fresh plums

Fruits contain a lot of vitamin P, which is of particular value to the body. With its help, the fragility and fragility of capillaries is reduced. The vitamin is retained even after processing the fruit.

The beneficial properties of plums are due to their composition:

  1. Vitamin C... Takes a direct part in redox reactions, the absorption of iron, the functioning of the immune system.
  2. Molybdenum.
  3. Silicon, which is essential for collagen synthesis.

Plums are recommended to be eaten separately from other foods and drinks in the morning, at least 30 minutes before meals. In this case, the sugar will be used up for the needs of the body, and not put aside. An excess of carbohydrates can lead to the accumulation of body fat.

It is permissible to combine plums with a variety of cereals, dairy products, honey and apples. Do not eat fruit on an empty stomach or drink it with milk.

In cooking, plum is used to make jam, jam, aromatic jelly.... The fruit is used to prepare a seasoning for dishes, as well as a pleasant plum vodka, tart wine.

Application during pregnancy: benefits and harms

All pregnant women know that plums and especially prunes help fight stool retention... Women who are expecting a baby are often plagued by constipation. It is enough to eat a few fruits a day to get rid of this problem.

Plum - fruit or berry?
During pregnancy, plums are recommended as a remedy for constipation.

The beneficial properties of plums do not end there. What else is the use? The fruit contains important vitamin E, which has a beneficial effect on the placenta and the state of its blood vessels..

It is not uncommon for pregnant women to introduce plums into their diet to reduce bleeding gums. Natural antioxidant helps to cleanse a woman's body of free radicals. And masks based on pulp will moisturize the skin, get rid of superficial wrinkles.

The use of steamed prunes in milk is effective against corns and corns... The remedy is applied at night. The next morning, the skin will soften significantly and after a few sessions the problem will disappear.

The presence of folic acid in plums is of particular value. The water-soluble vitamin is responsible for the absence of defects in the development of the neural tube in the fetus.

Use in traditional medicine for men and women

Traditional healers pay special attention to plums. The most commonly used:

  • decoction of flowers with a mild laxative effect;
  • decoction of bark and twigs has a pronounced anti-inflammatory, expectorant and astringent effect;
  • plum juice with a cold;
  • infusion of leaves and flowers plum is effective for inflammation of the bladder, as well as hair loss.
  • resin with urolithiasis and rashes on the surface of the skin.

As a folk remedy, it was widely used plum leaf tea... Its benefits are manifested in a pronounced sedative, calming effect. When consumed regularly, it will help to relax and relieve accumulated stress.

Plum: negative effects on the body and contraindications

Excessive consumption of plums is dangerous even for a healthy person. Diarrhea, increased acidity in the stomach, and the appearance of heartburn are often noted.... In most cases, the harm from the fruit is associated with excessive consumption.

It is unacceptable to consume more than 6 large fruits at one time. Compliance with this simple rule will avoid negative effects.

People should be especially careful when consuming plums:

Plum - fruit or berry?
Plum is contraindicated in a certain category of people.
  • with diabetes and severe obesity due to high sugar levels;
  •  contraindication during exacerbation of gastritis with an increased level of acidity;
  • with systemic inflammatory diseases of joints and muscles, gout, gallstones;
  • individual intolerance;
  • lactating mothers, as eating plums can provoke diarrhea and colic in babies. Fruits, both natural and dried, are excluded.

A large amount of plums eaten by children causes intestinal upset, as well as pain in the epigastric region.

Babies under 3 years old are not recommended to eat fresh fruit... Pediatricians allow the addition of a small amount of plum puree to cereals, curds.

Wash plums thoroughly before consuming them. Their skin is always covered with yeast. Do not use fruits with mold and other lesions.

Features of using plum pits

In oriental medicine, seed-based products are widely used. Plum tincture shows positive results in the treatment of bronchitis, lingering cough, prevention of cancer.

Plum - fruit or berry?
Plum seeds and their kernels are widely used for medicinal purposes.

As with any stone fruit, plum kernels contain amygdalin. Under the action of enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract, the substance forms hydrocyanic acid, in large doses, dangerous to the body. Heat treatment leads to the destruction of harmful substances.

Long-term storage of canned foods and compotes from pitted plums is not recommended. For storing fruits, they can be dried or frozen.

Fat oils are obtained from plum seeds, which are used on a par with almond oils. They have pronounced antioxidant properties. The oil has a tart aroma of bitter almonds.

For medicinal purposes, not the bones themselves are used, but their nuclei... Ideally, their daily use is recommended, but prior consultation with doctors is necessary. Around the use of plum pits, there are often discussions about their safety.

With the reasonable use of this product, it is possible to strengthen health, improve well-being, and also cleanse the body. Cheerfulness and good mood are guaranteed.

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