7 Health Benefits of Nigerian PLUM

Plum has been known for its juicy and delicious taste and belongs to Rosaceae family like peaches, apricots, and nectarines.

The fruit present in many different colors and shapes with over 2000 different varieties, including for Nigerian plum.

Health benefits of plum

1. Skin Health

Plums are rich in vitamin C, and many other antioxidants, which gives the body a healthy, radiant, and glowing skin. Consuming plums can reduce dark spots and wrinkles in the face, due to the presence of its anti-aging nutrients. Did you know that plum juice extracts are also used to produce various skin care products such as face wash and face packs? Plums are indeed great for the skin.

2. Great food for Pregnancy

Plums are one the healthy Nigerian foods for eat during pregnancy.
Plum products are beneficial for pregnant women because they abound with numerous vitamins and minerals. These beneficial vitamins and minerals are important for the development of bones and tissues, and cellular health for the mother and the growing baby. The rich fiber content in plums helps your digestive system by preventing constipation and diarrhea. Consumption of plums as a part of your healthy balanced diet will help your body fight various infections and maintain its overall health.

3. Relieves Stress

Consumption of plums also helps in relieving stress and anxiety. Medical studies have shown with strong evidence regarding the stress-relieving effects of plums. Studies have shown that the anxiolytic and antioxidant properties of chlorogenic acids present in plums helps in curing anxiety-related behaviors and the harmful effects caused by oxidative stress.

4. Weight Loss

After you have seen how low the calories are in plums, you will definitely have to agree that plums are great for weight loss. This notion was backed by a research study conducted by the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Psychology, Health, and Society. The research comprised of 100 overweight and obese low fiber consumers. They all tested to find out if including prunes as an integral part of a weight loss diet stopped or helped in controlling their weight throughout 12 weeks.

Finally, the research study proved that the consumption of dried plums (prunes) as part of a weight loss diet could, in fact, hasten the process of weight loss. So if you are looking for a fruit to add to your weight loss meal plan, you should add plums.

5. Improves Digestion

Plums are such an excellent source of dietary fiber. The components, sorbitol, and isatin help in boosting the functioning of the digestive system.

Dried plums are particularly said to be very good for your digestive health.

6. They have Antioxidant Properties

Plums contain a lot of powerful antioxidants. It contains vitamin C and phytonutrients such as lutein, zeaxanthin, epicatechin, neochlorogenic, and chlorogenic acid. These antioxidants possess effective cancer-fighting qualities which help in preventing the damage caused by oxygen radicals.

Plum juice extracts have been said to reduce the growth of breast cancer cells. It has also has been shown to induce apoptosis reduced risk of head and neck cancer. Dried plums could also lower the risk of colon cancer by increasing healthy gut bacteria.

7. Boosts your immune system

Plums are using in boosting the body’s immune system. This is due to the presence of vitamin C content, which is very rich in. Vitamin is known for promoting the body’s resistance to infections and inflammations. Hence, Vitamin C found in plums aids the body to build resistance against free radicals and infectious bacteria. They are one the foods that boost your immune system.

Plums equally contain vitamin A, which improves vision, bone growth, and reproduction.

Side effects of plums

There are also some side effects of plums you should know about. These side effects of plums usually result from too much consumption of plums. They include

Intestinal gas and bloating: Plum contain sorbitol, a sugar that can cause gas and bloating. Sorbitol is a major component of foods that you fart.

Dark stools: Consuming an excessive amount of plums can cause you to defecate dark stools.