Plums come in a variety of colours - red, orange, yellow, and even ones with shades of maroon. Some of these varieties include black plums, greengage plums, red plums, mirabelle plums, and yellow plums. These fruits belong to the Rosaceae family, just like peaches, nectarines, and apricots. Plums can be eaten either fresh or dry, with dried plums most often referred to as prunes.
Plums are known as superfoods since they are nutritionally dense, making these foods beneficial for one’s health. Some other common examples of superfoods include blueberries, salmon, kale, and acai. Superfoods contain a variety of nutrients such as antioxidants, healthy fats to prevent high diseases, and phytochemicals (found in certain plant-based foods).
Aside from the wealth of nutrients superfoods provide, did you know that some of them are also great for detoxing? Plum is an example of a superfood that is great on its own and also as a detox drink that is enjoyed by many people in Singapore.
Benefits of plums
Plums possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and memory-boosting properties. They are also rich in phenols like anthocyanins, which are antioxidants. Consumption of plums is often associated with improved cognition, bone health, as well as heart functions. Despite the varieties of plums, they all offer multiple benefits especially for people looking to go on a detox.
1. Skin benefits
Plums provide our skin with anti-ageing properties and are known to be effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. It also contains Vitamins C, E, and beta carotene to fight free radicals, protecting our cells from oxidative damage.
Furthermore, the high amount of Vitamin C in plums boosts collagen production, and thus plays a vital role in the texture of our skin. Plus, it can also lighten scars, marks, and brighten complexion over time, reducing the risks of skin discolouration.
2. Keeps blood sugar under control
Plums have a low glycemic index and are known to be beneficial for people suffering from diabetes. The presence of phytonutrients present in plums can also help control blood glucose levels whilst reducing triglyceride levels in our body.
Other bioactive compounds such as sorbitol, Vitamin K1, copper, potassium, and boron in plums work synergistically with each other to cut the risk of diabetes. On the other hand, a study conducted has shown that phenolic compounds in plums increase insulin sensitivity, and thus aids with diabetes treatment.
3. Aids with digestion
Plums are known to be great for our digestive system. Not only do they provide a good source of dietary fibre, they also contain components such as sorbitol and isatin to help regulate our digestive system. Both sorbitol and isatin have a laxative effect, encouraging fluid secretion and the flushing of toxins through our colons. As a result, plums are often one of the key ingredients for detox teas in Singapore. This also helps with constipation which is especially great if you find it hard to flush out the toxins yourself on a daily basis.
How to incorporate plums into your diet?
It is ideal to choose plums that are slightly firmer, instead of going for those that have already gone soft or bruised. Plums can be added to many foods like pies, oatmeal, salads, yogurt, smoothies, and even tea for a good detox.
If you are unsure of how to make your own detox drink with plums, fret not! Containing 15 sachets, Cheryl W’s improved and carefully formulated Clean D Drink contains a perfect blend of natural ingredients such as microground dark plum powder, microground sour plum powder, job’s tears as well as other superfoods like apple pectin. We recommend drinking this after a night of bingeing so that you will wake the next morning feeling lighter and more refreshed!
Here at Cheryl W, we believe that beauty comes from within and that having great health is one of the main factors to look good. Connect with us today to find out how you can achieve the best version of yourself with our range of detox drinks and holistic body treatment services.