Plum Nutrition & Health Benefits
Plum Crazy
By: Dan Gerhardt, D.C.
I've noticed that they've been hanging around again lately. You know, the plums. They think that I haven't seen them yet. I'm sure of it. So I go about my usual routine without raising any suspicions. On occasion, I will brave a sideways glance at them from the corner of my eye, but cleverly look away before they are alerted. They are so dull, so ignorant, so very pathetic. They actually think that they are smarter than me, better than me, but I of course know better. There they are now, I can see them through the window- all smug, all innocent looking, as if they have some kind of power over me, as if they even have a say-so in the matter. Just look at them. They disgust me. It's always all about the plums, as if the world revolves around them and them alone. I almost feel sorry for them, except they will allow me no sympathy. They should, but they don't. There are those that might suggest that my imagination is getting the best of me, but they would be wrong. The plums, they are the ones that are losing their grip. They are the ones that will end up falling to the ground, bruising their beloved ego, and losing their (so-called) rightful place from up on high. They are the ones that consider themselves untouchable, unreachable, perched up in the sky with the birds, precariously dangling over the abyss of their demise by a single, fragile thread. They themselves are the unwitting source of their own destruction. Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Oh, how the proud have been brought down low.
They will get exactly what they deserve. The plums, they have it coming to them, they are constantly staring at me, watching me, judging me. Who do they think they are? The plums, for the most part, they are completely quiet, too quiet, during the day, but I hear them, oh yes, I hear them at night, under the cloak of darkness, secretely whispering amongst themselves. They mock me. They ridicule me. They plot against me. Their murmurrings grow louder and louder. I can not rest, can not sleep, and it is all their fault. They are to blame for all the misery in my life. They are to blame for all the troubles in the world. They, the plums, the God-forsaken plums, they just never learn, do they? They just don't know when to leave well enough alone. They just, they just...they must be silenced, yes, every single one of them, silenced. I will crush the feeble life out of them and extract my vengeance on them one way or another. I will squeeze them under tremendous pressure, and transform them into strong, red wine...yes, more wine. I will unmercifully torture them with heat and turn them into arid, delectable treats. I will slowly grind them into a thick, mottled pudding. I will tediously boil them into a sweet, sticky sauce. I will take great pleasure in doing this. I will exert my will over them. I will control them. I will rule over them. I will own them. Ha..hahaha. Yes, they will be mine. All mine. The plums. Ha..haha..hahahahaaa....
Plums in History
In Chinese mythology, the plum tree is associated with old age and great wisdom. Plums were originally found growing wild in both western Asia and China. The latter quickly became a popular food in the Chinese culture, even finding their way into the writings of Confucius, and eventually into Japan, where the name Japanes plums was coined. The Asian plums were eventually introduced to the orchards of Rome, and Alexander the Great eventually brought them to the Mediterranean regions, becomeing known as the common European plum. Early American colonists found wild plums growing along the east coast. Currently, the common European plum has replaced the native wild plum as the most popular commercial plum crop. Plums are now the second most cultivated fruit in the world, second only to apples. Prunes are dried plums, typically the European ones, while freshly-eaten plums are typically the Japanese ones.
Health Benefits From Plums
Plums have a low glycemic index, making them a good choice for those with blood sugar problems. Plums contain special phytonutrients called chloregenic acid and neochlorogenic acid, which are powerful antioxidants. These compounds are capable of assisting in the prevention of damage to the beneficial fats that protect brain cells and that make up cell membranes. Plums are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, B vitamins, boron, and two pigments called lutein and zeaxanthin, which are particualry helpful for protecting vision and preventing macular degeneration of the eyes, which can lead to blindness. Plums are also a better economic value than blueberries. One relatively inexpensive plum has about the same amount of antioxidants as a handful of more costly blueberries and offers many of the similar health benefits. There are loads of health benefits from eating a single raw plum once a day.
Plums contain enzymes that help your body absorb more iron, which increases circulation and gives you more energy. Plums will also help to cleanse your blood of damaging free radicals, keeping your blood pressure from climbing too high, and protecting your arteries. People who eat a plum every single day are less likely to develop heart disease than people who only eat plums once in a while. The vitamin C content of plums helps your joints and lungs. Several studies have concluded that prunes, because of their boron and polyphenol content, have a beneficial effect on bone mineral density. The high fiber and sorbitol content of plums and prunes, in particular, make them perfect for softening the stool and promoting bowel movements. One word of caution, plums contain oxalates. If you have a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones, you might want to consider to eat plums sparingly.
Studies have shown that plums can help:
- Relieve Constipation
- Reduce Vision Problems
- Protect Joints
- Prevent Osteoporosis
- Improve Lung Function
- Improve Blood Quality
- Prevent Infections
- Promote Healthy Cholesterol Levels
Until next time, don't forget to grow and eat your plums!
Dan Gerhardt, D.C.
Other Articles by Dr. Dan
SEE: An Introduction to Vegetable & Fruit Nutrition