Plums are not only a delicious and juicy fruit, but also a rich source of vitamins and minerals that have a positive effect on our health. This fruit is popular in fresh form, and is also used for making jams, compotes and even desserts. In this article, let’s look at the vitamins found in plums and how they can improve your health.
The main vitamins in plums
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
Like many fruits, plums are an excellent source of vitamin C. This vitamin is important for boosting the immune system, fighting infections, and maintaining healthy skin. Vitamin C also helps the body absorb iron from food, making plums a useful addition to the diet to prevent anemia. - Vitamin A.
Plums contain provitamin A (beta-carotene), which is converted in the body into vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for maintaining healthy eyes, improving vision and maintaining healthy skin. Eating plums regularly can help prevent eye problems such as dryness or impaired night vision. - Vitamin K.
Vitamin K plays an important role in the blood clotting process and supports bone health. It is also involved in regulating calcium levels in the body, which makes plums useful for preventing osteoporosis and maintaining bone tissue. - B Vitamins (B1, B2, B6).
Plums are rich in B vitamins such as thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2) and pyridoxine (B6). These vitamins are important for maintaining normal nervous system function, metabolism and energy levels. B vitamins help the body process food into energy and support brain health. - Vitamin E.
Vitamin E is known for its antioxidant properties that protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin E in plums promotes skin health, keeps skin moisturized and protects it from premature aging.
Health Benefits of Plums
- Digestive Enhancement: Plums are rich in dietary fiber, which helps improve digestion and prevents constipation. Dried plums (prunes) are particularly beneficial in this regard and are often recommended to support the gastrointestinal tract.
- Immunity Boosting: The vitamin C and antioxidants found in plums strengthen the immune system, helping the body fight off infections and viruses.
- Skin and Hair Health: Vitamins A and E keep skin healthy, preventing dryness and premature aging, and strengthen hair and nails.
- Cardiovascular Health: Plums help lower cholesterol levels due to their antioxidant and fiber content, which reduces the risk of heart disease.
How many plums can I eat per day?
It is enough to consume 3-5 plums a day to get all the health benefits. However, as with any fruit, it is important to be moderate, as excessive consumption of plums can lead to digestive upset due to their high fiber content.
Interesting facts about plums
- Plums come in many varieties, and each variety has its own unique composition of vitamins and minerals.
- Dried plums (prunes) retain most of their vitamins but contain more sugar than fresh plums, so they should be eaten in moderation.
Conclusion
Plums are a delicious and healthy fruit that can be a great source of vitamins C, A, K, as well as vitamins B and E. They support immunity, improve digestion, promote healthy skin, and help maintain bone and heart health. Eating plums on a regular basis can improve your overall health and provide many benefits to your body.
