Are plums useful for the liver — 13 facts and tips for use
Research confirms that the dietary fiber contained in fruits has a beneficial effect on the liver and improves its functioning.
Plums are rich in these dietary fibers, as well as vitamins, minerals and other useful substances, and therefore their consumption has a positive effect on the functioning of almost the entire gastrointestinal tract, especially the liver.
It will be useful for people with liver problems to acquire knowledge about the positive properties of these fruits, how they affect the liver, and how to consume them correctly.
Content
13 useful properties
Eating plums can benefit the entire gastrointestinal tract. The positive effects of these fruits are manifested in the following:
- Protect the liver from damage, strengthen it by removing toxins from the body and purifying the blood .
- Protect the liver from negative effects. They contain substances that fight inflammation and cell aging.
- Contribute to the unloading of the liver. Plum stimulates the biliary tract, ridding the body of toxins and deposits.
- Increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the intestine. Plum contains a large amount of dietary fiber, which enhances the synthesis of intestinal bacteria.
- Get rid of constipation. Not only fresh fruits have a laxative effect, but also juice and jam from plums.
- Normalize bowel function. To do this, you need to eat plums on an empty stomach.
- Excite the appetite. Plum juice differs in this way.
- Enhance peristalsis by stimulating intestinal muscle contraction.
- Have a diuretic effect. They contain potassium and sodium, which remove fluids and salts from the body.
- Reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine, reducing its level in the body.
- Eliminate intestinal parasites and putrefactive formations due to the content of pectin substances.
- Increases the secretion of gastric juice and beneficial enzymes for digesting food and preventing heaviness and stomach pain.
- Increase the acidity of the stomach due to the high content of beneficial acids.
Possible harm
Although the benefits of the product for humans are tangible, we must not forget about the possible harm:
- Plum ranks third in terms of sucrose content among fruits: 4.8 g per 100 g of fresh product. This amount of disaccharide contributes to a rapid increase in blood sugar, resulting in intoxication of the body, since it needs insulin, which is not enough. Liver dystrophy occurs, which can lead to cirrhosis.
- Plum, when used excessively, increases the acidity of the stomach, while irritating the mucous membrane. For this reason, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract may occur, for example, gastritis. And it, in turn, leads to a violation of the normal functioning of the liver.
How to use them correctly — 5 tips
So that the product does not negatively affect the functioning of the liver, it is necessary to remember about the rules of consumption, namely:
- Buy only ripe high-quality fruits. It is forbidden to use overripe and unripe fruits.
- Before use, you need to thoroughly rinse the plums, or better yet, scald them with boiling water.
- It is better to eat fresh. During heat treatment, the beneficial properties reduce their activity.
- Follow the optimal dosage. It is recommended not to exceed 150 grams of plums per day.
- Do not consume on an empty stomach and before going to bed. Plum is a heavy product that can cause unpleasant sensations in the stomach. The best time to take a shower is in the afternoon.
Is it possible to eat them with a sick liver?
With liver diseases, plums are not contraindicated, since they contain minerals, organic compounds and vitamins, which are a strengthening material for disorders of the liver and its various diseases, for example, cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis of the liver is the destruction of an organ due to its chronic diseases.
In the initial stages of the disease, with the preservation of the functions of the biliary system, it is recommended to follow a diet developed by Dr. M. I. Pevsner. It includes a lot of fruits and vegetables with a restriction of fat-containing foods, but with sufficient caloric intake.
The daily diet is as follows:
- Proteins - 80 g, half of which should be of vegetable origin.
- Fats - up to 80 g, 30% of them are vegetable.
- Carbohydrates - 400 g.
- Liquid - 2 liters per day. This is the minimum amount.
- Salt - no more than 10 g.
The total energy value should be at least 2,800 kcal per day.
Can I eat plums? Yes. With diet No. 5, it is recommended to use sweet plums, preferably boiled or baked. Prunes are also very useful, which are allowed to be consumed in their pure form. In addition, prunes are used in the preparation of compotes, jellies, jams and fruit sauce suitable for cottage cheese pudding.
Conclusion
Thus, plums can be called one of the most useful products that help the gastrointestinal tract. If you remember the rules of use and contraindications, plums will bring great benefits to the body along with vitamins and other valuable substances.