Laxatives: Plums Plums stimulate intestinal function. Prunes are dried plums that also work as laxative. Other laxative foods are: eggplant, chard and whole grain nuts. Plums Health Benefits Delicious, fleshy, succulent plums are low in calories and contain no saturated fats; but contain numerous health promoting compounds, minerals and vitamins. Plums are rich in minerals like potassium, fluoride and iron. Iron is required for red blood cell formation. Rich in B-complex group of vitamins such as niacin, vitamin B-6 and pantothenic acid. These vitamins help the body metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats. They also provide about 5% RDA levels of vitamin K. Vitamin K is essential for many clotting factors function in the blood, as well as in bone metabolism and helps reduce Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly. Fresh plums, especially yellow Mirabelle type, are very good source of vitamin A and beta carotene. Vitamin A is essential for vision. It is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Eating fruits rich in vitamin A known to help in protectection from lung and oral cavity cancers. The fruit is also good in health promoting flavonoid poly phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin in significant amounts. These compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in the aging and various disease process. Zeaxanthin, an important dietary carotenoid selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea where it is thought to provide antioxidant and protective light-filtering functions. Certain health benefit in plums, provide dietary fiber, sorbitol, and isatin are known to help regulate the functioning of the digestive system and work as laxative help in constipation conditions. Fresh plums are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is also a powerful natural antioxidant. Consuming foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infections , {strengthen the immune system} fight inflammation and scavenge harmful free radicals that the body do not need. Source :Food that Heal, Center for Disease C Source: USDA National Nutrient data base) For education, informational purpose only, consult a healthcare practitioner for any health problems. See...
