What Are Umeboshi Plums?
Umeboshi plums are made from dried and pickled ume fruit, which is a type of fruit closely related to the apricot. They are often made into a paste, which can be added to dressings, sauces, dips, salsa, and veggies, but the traditional method in Japanese cuisine is to add it to white rice. These little gems pack a powerful punch as their unique composition along with the sour, salty taste offer many surprising health benefits. They have become my secret tool to improve digestion.
Here’s why:
Health Benefits of Umeboshi Plums
1. They can boost liver function
-Not only does the sour taste stimulate bile flow, but umeboshi plums contain potent antioxidants that can help protect the liver and prevent damage.
2. They can improve digestion
-They have been shown to stimulate motility and reduce symptoms of acid reflux.
-Sour foods stimulate bile flow, which helps break down fats.
3. They can block cancer growth
-Studies have shown that the ume fruit can kill off cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.
4. They are high in antioxidants
-Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which helps protect the body’s cells from oxidative damage, and ultimately, discourages dysfunction and disease.
5. They can strengthen and improve bone health
-Umeboshi plums contain potent polyphenols, which are plant compounds that act as antioxidants and also help neutralize free radicals, preventing chronic disease.
-Studies have shown that polyphenols can have anti-osteoporosis effects.
6. They can help prevent cavities and oral disease
-Some research has shown that umeboshi plums have anti-bacterial properties, which helps prevent oral cavities and disease.
7. They can help stabilize blood sugar
-Studies have shown that the ume fruit affects certain receptors that increaseglucose uptake by the cells, which helps normalize and stabilize blood sugar.
How I Use Umeboshi Plums
I like to buy the umeboshi paste instead of the whole plums so that I can better control the amount I use because they are POTENT. I simply like to use the paste like a supplement and take 1/4 teaspoon right before I eat to stimulate my digestive juices and get that bile flowing. After all, Hippocrates once said, “Let thy food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” After regularly adding this paste into my routine, I have noticed a significant improvement in my digestion, and it’s now a staple on my grocery list. I buy it from a local brand, called Eden, at Whole Foods (in the international isle). If you can’t find it there, you can always order it online from Eden.
Have you tried umeboshi plums before? How do you like to use them? Let me know in the comments!
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