A plum is a drupe or in other words, a stone fruit. These are fruits that have rock like pits. Plums belong to species prunus and belong in the same family as apricots, tangerines and peaches. Plums can be of various sizes and it can be green, yellow, orange, red or purple with the inside can be yellow, orange or pink. Prunes are dried forms of plums.
Fun fact- the word ‘plum’ comes from the Old English word ‘plume’ which was derived from Latin ‘prunum’ and this was derived from Greek which came from Asia. Hence, the word plum has been borrowed from various civilizations and has a long history behind it!
Plums have been traced back to China which then travelled to Japan, other parts of Asia, parts of Europe and America. According to researchers, different types of plums have been traced back to different regions.
Plum trees are usually around 16 – 20 feet while the fruits are usually around 2 – 7 cm. The outside of the fruit is smooth and waxy and the inside is fleshy.
Nutritional Content of Plums
Plums are known to have nutrients that our body needs but what exactly is present in plums? Let’s find out.
These are all the nutrients present in one plum. Additionally, they also happen to contain some phosphorus, vitamin B and magnesium.
Health benefits of eating plums/prunes
Both plums and prunes have antioxidants which are required for your body to reduce inflammation and protect your cells. They are also known to reduce inflammatory diseases.
If you are someone who is looking to go on a diet or try to lose some weight, eating a plum is a very good option as they are filling and they contain a very small amount of calories.
Plums are rich in potassium which are said to reduce strokes and control blood pressure. This contributes in the overall heart health of a person.
Plums have a low glycaemic index which controls blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Plums contain vitamin C which helps with the heart. It is also important for repairing the cells and supporting the immune system. Since plums contain antioxidants, this is also useful in preventing cell damage.
Health Benefits of Consuming Plums When Pregnant
Plums and prunes are high in fibre. Pregnant women experience constipation due to the movement and position of their baby. Eating foods that are rich in fibre can help in the smooth functioning of your digestive system.
The risk of being anaemic is much higher when you are pregnant. This can lead to low birth weight of the baby or a premature birth. This can be resolved by eating foods that are rich in iron and plums are a good source of iron.
Since plums are rich in potassium, it helps to regulate your blood pressure levels and make sure you get the adequate fiber required by your body. This reduces the risk of preeclampsia.
These are some of the health benefits of eating plums when you are pregnant. It is also important to note that all bodies are different and there is a chance that you could be allergic to plums or prunes so, it is best to consult your doctor to get professional advice.
Plums can be eaten as it is or juiced. You can also be creative with it and make dishes that your family will enjoy. A good example of this is to make a plum tart.
Ingredients
Pastry:
Frangipane:
Plums:
To finish:
Instructions
Recipe from https://www.kitchensanctuary.com/plum-and-almond-tart-with-homemade-pastry/