The 7 health benefits of umeboshi plums!

Umeboshi plums are  full of health benefits as it helps in preventing various diseases. Umeboshi plums have been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries. Also known as the “sour plum”, “Japanese apricot” and “ Japanese plum ”,  Umeboshi plums  are made from dried, canned moist fruits, a type of fruit closely related to apricots.

Umeboshi plums are round and wrinkled with a distinctly sour flavor, thanks to their high citric acid content. In fact, the fruits are harvested at the end of June, just when the juice reaches its peak acidity. Because of their intense flavor, Umeboshi plums  are typically paired with white rice and eaten as a side dish . Umeboshi Plum  Paste and Umeboshi  Plum Vinegar are also available for an easy way to spice up any dish.

In terms of nutrients, Umeboshi Plums  contain a good chunk of potassium , manganese and fiber needed for everyday life. Also, it is low in calories.
In addition to boasting a pretty impressive nutrient profile and distinctive flavor, this pickled Umeboshi Plums  has also been shown to have many beneficial health effects . Studies show that Umeboshi plums  can reduce liver damage , support digestion  and regularity, and even block cancer cell growth. case of

Whether you want to optimize your diet, improve your health ,  and squeeze as many nutrients into your day as possible, Umeboshi Plums  can be the perfect dietary supplement.

Nutritional value:

Umeboshi plums  are low in calories but contain a good amount of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber . 100 grams (or approximately 10 pieces) of Umeboshi Plums  contains approximately:

• 33 calories;
• 1 gram of protein ;
• 0 grams of fat;
• 3.4 grams of dietary fiber ;
• 10 grams of carbohydrates;
• 440 milligrams of potassium  (9% of DV);
• 0.2 milligrams of manganese (9% of DV);
• 0.02 milligrams of thiamine (2% of DV);
• 7 micrograms of vitamin A (1% of DV);
• 0.01 milligram riboflavin (1% DV);

Benefits :

1. Protects the liver:

It has some potent properties that can help with liver protection . The liver plays a vital role in detoxification, fat metabolism, and the production of important proteins used in blood clotting, so keeping it working efficiently is critical. Liver damage can be caused by a multitude of factors such as infection, excessive alcohol consumption and even obesity.

Some research has found that adding Umeboshi plums  to your diet could preserve liver function . A 2012 study followed 58 patients with liver disease and found that supplementing with extract of this plum actually decreased liver damage. This means that Umeboshi Plums could aid in the treatment and prevention of liver disorders that affect millions of people worldwide, such as cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatitis.

2. Promotes gastrointestinal health:

Since plums  are fiber-rich foods, they can help with digestion as well as the health  of the gastrointestinal tract. This is because the dietary fiber found in  Umeboshi plums  moves through the body undigested, adding bulk to the stool and promoting regularity. Umeboshi plums have been shown to have a natural laxative effect.

A 2013 animal study found that offering this fruit to rats improved gastric motility, or the movement of food through the digestive tract, and helped treat constipation. Umeboshi plums can also relieve symptoms caused by gastrointestinal problems. A 2015 study of 392 participants showed that eating Umeboshi plums  daily improved gastric motility and significantly reduced acid reflux symptoms.

3. Helps in Blocking Cancer Growth:

Umeboshi plums contain some powerful compounds that may be beneficial in the natural prevention and treatment of cancer . A 2007 study treated liver cancer cells with an extract of this fruit and found that the extract was able to stop the growth of cancer cells. Another study on Umeboshi plums  treated pancreatic cancer cells with an extract of an ume fruit and also observed that it was able to stop the cancer ‘s growth . Furthermore, the plum extract managed to kill the cancer cells while sparing the normal and healthy cells.

In addition to liver and pancreas cancer cells , other studies have shown that Umeboshi plum extract may be able to help block the growth of other types of cancer cells as well. In fact, grape extract has also been shown to be beneficial in treating breast cancer and skin cancer .

4. Rich in antioxidants:

From a poor diet to factors like stress, smoking and pollution, there are many ways free radicals can form in the body. These highly unstable molecules cause oxidative damage that can contribute to the development of chronic diseases. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize dangerous free radicals to prevent cell damage. Studies show that the antioxidants found in  Umeboshi plums  can reduce the risk of many health problems , including heart disease, cancer , and diabetes.

Umeboshi plums are one of the great health -promoting antioxidant foods . A 2014 study demonstrated that the antioxidants found in this plum are especially effective when it comes to reducing and stabilizing free radicals. Adding a few Umeboshi Plums to your diet daily can be a simple way to boost both your antioxidant intake and your health .

5. Strengthens and improves bone health:

Umeboshi plums can benefit bone health thanks to their high amount of polyphenols. Polyphenols are a type of plant compound that acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing harmful free radicals that can contribute to chronic disease. One study found that specific polyphenols found in Umeboshi plums possess anti- osteoporosis activities . Osteoporosis is a  problem that leads to bone loss, causing bones to become brittle and weak, increasing the risk of breaks and fractures.

The polyphenols in these Umeboshi Plums  were able to increase the production of collagen, the protein  that forms the structure of bones, in addition to increasing the function of osteoblasts, cells responsible for bone synthesis.

6. Prevents caries and oral diseases:

Some research has found that they have natural antibacterial properties and could help block the growth of harmful disease-causing bacteria. Because of this, this plum can even improve oral health  and prevent cavities from forming. A 2011 study found that Umeboshi Plum extract was able to inhibit the growth of several bacteria known to contribute to oral diseases such as gingivitis. Another study had similar findings, noting that the extract of this plum was able to kill a specific strain of bacteria notoriously causing cavities.

7. Stabilizes Blood Sugar:

Interestingly, adding a few servings of  Umeboshi Plums to your diet can actually be beneficial for your blood sugar . A 2013 study found that Umeboshi plums affect a specific receptor responsible for increasing glucose uptake in the body. With more glucose able to be transported and used by cells, blood sugar levels can normalize and remain stable. Plus, Umeboshi Plums are packed with fiber and antioxidants. Dietary fiber can slow glucose absorption , preventing spikes and dips in sugar levels.in the blood. Meanwhile, antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress that leads to the development of diabetes and worsens complications.

How to use:

They can be used in Umeboshi Plum  paste and found in vinegar form. They can be found at specialty stores, Asian grocery stores, and online retailers for use in a variety of different dishes. They are typically paired with rice to soften their strong flavor. They can be eaten in onigiri, rice balls, or with ochazuke, a traditional dish in which green tea is poured over cooked rice . It can also be cooked, seasoned and served for dinner or used as a delicious addition to a hot cup of tea.

The paste is often used as a condiment that can bring a distinct flavor to marinades, salads, sauces and spreads. It can also be paired with steamed vegetables or corn on the cob for a nutritious upgrade to any dish. Vinegar is traditional in Japanese cuisine. It is usually drizzled with sautéed vegetables or rice . It can also be used to provide a unique seafood flavor in vegetarian or vegan dishes.

How to make:

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup of tea;
• 1 Umeboshi plum , pitted and chopped;
• 2-3 drops of coconut aminos;
• 1 slice of fresh ginger .

PREPARATION MODE:

• Bring the kukicha tea to a boil and then remove it from the heat;
• Add the  Umeboshi Plum , soy sauce and fresh ginger ;
• Let it rest for 2 minutes before serving and then enjoy.

Side effects:

While there are no known negative side effects of Umeboshi Plums , you should discontinue consumption immediately if you experience an allergic reaction or any negative symptoms after eating .

Final considerations:

They may be small, but they have a powerful effect when it comes to nutrients. With a long list of health benefits  ranging from protecting the liver to strengthening bones, adding these  pickled Umeboshi Plums  to your diet just a few times a week has the potential to make a big difference to your health .