Plums are juicy fruits that belong to the Rosaceae family and are closely related to peaches and apricots. Plums come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and they are prized for their sweet, tart flavor and their many health benefits. The juice of plums, commonly known as plum drink, is a popular beverage that is believed to be a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Nutritional Benefits of Plum Drink
Plum drink is loaded with vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health. A single cup of plum drink contains approximately:
- 90 calories
- 1 gram of protein
- 22 grams of carbohydrates
- 2.3 grams of fiber
- 0.9 grams of fat
- 562 milligrams of potassium
- 7.5 milligrams of vitamin C
- 15 milligrams of calcium
- 0.2 milligrams of iron
Plum drink also contains small amounts of other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin K, and magnesium.
Health Benefits of Plum Drink
Plum drink is packed with antioxidants, which are compounds that protect the body against damage from harmful molecules called free radicals. Research has shown that antioxidants may be beneficial for a wide range of health conditions, including:
1. Heart Health
The high levels of potassium in plum drink may help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Potassium is an essential mineral that helps the heart to function properly by regulating the balance of fluids in the body and reducing the harmful effects of sodium.
2. Digestive Health
Plum drink is believed to be a natural laxative, thanks to its high sorbitol content. Sorbitol is a type of sugar alcohol that can help to stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation.
3. Bone Health
Plum drink is a good source of vitamin K, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. Vitamin K helps to regulate the amount of calcium in the body, which is important for bone health.
4. Immune System Boost
Plum drink contains vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the body against infection and disease. Vitamin C is also important for the production of collagen, a protein that supports healthy skin, bones, and joints.
How to Make Plum Drink
Making plum drink at home is easy, and it allows you to control the ingredients and the sweetness level.
To make plum drink, you will need:
- 1 pound of plums
- 4 cups of water
- Sugar to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. Wash the plums and remove the pits.
2. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
3. Add the plums to the pot and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the plums are soft and tender.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Using a fine-mesh strainer or cheese cloth, strain the plum mixture into a large bowl.
6. Discard the solids and transfer the liquid back to the pot.
7. Taste the plum drink and add sugar if desired.
8. Bring the plum drink back to a simmer and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes.
9. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool completely.
10. Transfer the plum drink to a pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Conclusion
Plum drink is a delicious and nutritious beverage that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The high levels of potassium and vitamin K in plum drink may help to support heart health and bone health, while the sorbitol content may help to stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation. Making plum drink at home is easy and allows you to control the sweetness level and the ingredients. For an extra nutritional boost, try adding other fruits or herbs to your plum drink, such as mint, lemon, or ginger. So, if you’re looking for a refreshing and healthy beverage, give plum drink a try!
External link to plum drink recipe: Plum Drink Recipe – Food Network
FAQ
Can plum reduce belly fat?
Plums are a small, sweet fruit that is not only delicious but also has several health benefits that are worth noting. One of the primary reasons why people eat plums is to help manage their weight and reduce belly fat. The question is, can plums really reduce belly fat?
First of all, plums are low in calories and high in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. For example, one medium-sized plum contains only 30 calories, 8 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of fiber. Eating foods that are low in calories can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce belly fat over time.
Moreover, plums are a rich source of polyphenol compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids that have antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that these compounds may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body that can contribute to obesity and belly fat accumulation. Additionally, plums are high in water content, which can help keep you hydrated and support healthy digestion.
Another way that plums can help reduce belly fat is by keeping you fuller for longer. This is partly due to their fiber content, which can help slow down your digestion and increase satiety. According to some studies, plums and prunes can help regulate hunger hormones like ghrelin and peptide YY, which can lead to decreased food intake and weight loss over time.
However, it is important to note that plums alone cannot reduce belly fat. While they can be part of a healthy and balanced diet, losing belly fat ultimately requires a combination of healthy eating, regular exercise, and proper sleep hygiene. A diet low in processed foods, added sugars, and saturated fats, coupled with a combination of cardio and strength training exercises, can help reduce belly fat and improve overall health.
While plums have several health benefits that can contribute to weight management and reduced belly fat, it is crucial to maintain a balanced diet and active lifestyle to achieve long-term results. Adding plums to your diet as part of a healthy and balanced meal plan can certainly help, but they are not a magic solution on their own.
Do plums clean out your system?
Plums are a sweet, juicy fruit that has been enjoyed for centuries. They are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, making them a healthy addition to any diet. This has led many people to wonder, do plums clean out your system?
Plums contain high levels of antioxidants, including phenolic compounds, which help to protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. This can help to reduce inflammation in your body and fend off chronic diseases. Plums are also a rich source of dietary fiber, which plays an essential role in digestive health.
The fiber found in plums can help to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. Regular bowel movements are essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system, and they can help to flush out toxins and waste products from your body.
Plums also contain important minerals like chromium, potassium, and selenium. Chromium is an essential nutrient that plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels, while potassium is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Selenium, on the other hand, is an essential mineral that plays a role in thyroid function and immune system health.
Furthermore, plums are a good source of vitamin C and beta-carotene, which are essential for healthy skin, vision, and immune system function. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect your cells from damage, while beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in your body, which is important for healthy skin and vision.
Plums have good antioxidant and detoxifying properties, are a metabolic stimulant, and contain a variety of important vitamins and minerals that help to support your overall health. This makes them a great addition to any healthy diet, and consuming them regularly may help to clean out your system and promote better health.
Is plum juice a laxative?
Plum juice has been used as a natural remedy for constipation for centuries. The high fiber content of plums, as well as various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, make it an excellent choice for relieving constipation. However, when it comes to whether plum juice is a laxative or not, the answer is not as straightforward as we might think.
A laxative is usually a substance that helps to promote bowel movement. It can be in the form of medicine or a natural remedy, like prune juice. Prune juice is known for its laxative properties due to the high amounts of sorbitol and fiber. Sorbitol is a natural sugar alcohol that draws water from the intestine, making stools softer and easier to pass. Fiber, on the other hand, helps to bulk up the stool and promotes regular bowel movements.
Plum juice, on the other hand, may not be as effective as a laxative as prune juice. While plums are also high in fiber and sorbitol, the concentration of these compounds in plum juice may not be as high. Additionally, plum juice may not be as readily available as prune juice in many stores.
That being said, plum juice still contains significant amounts of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which can be helpful in promoting regular bowel movements. Additionally, consuming a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can go a long way in preventing constipation.
While plum juice may not be as effective as a laxative as prune juice, it still contains fiber and other essential nutrients that can help to promote bowel regularity. It is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before using any natural remedy for constipation, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are on medication.
