The Functions and Effects of Plum Candies

Plum candies serve multiple purposes, including stimulating saliva production to quench thirst, aiding digestion, reducing swelling, detoxifying the body, and alleviating constipation. Crafted from pickled green plums, they are a ubiquitous snack in our daily lives, with their efficacy documented in ancient texts. If you're battling poor appetite or constipation, indulging in plum candies can offer relief. However, it's crucial to exercise moderation due to the presence of nitrite, as excessive consumption may elevate cancer risks.

The Nutritional Value of Plums

Plums boast low fat and sodium content, devoid of cholesterol, while being abundant in fiber, potassium, calcium, vitamins A, B1, and B2. Nature's gift, they effectively address various nutritional concerns. Their high fiber content makes plums a natural laxative, aiding both adults and infants in managing constipation.

The Medicinal Benefits of Green Plums

Green plums offer a myriad of health benefits and medicinal applications. Applying dried plum flesh to the navel can alleviate headaches. Alternatively, boiling green plum juice and storing it for later consumption can provide relief from stomachaches. Some individuals infuse green plums in liquor, sealing them for a month to create fragrant and delicious green plum wine, which regularly consumed, can treat rheumatic pain, sprains, and lumbar muscle strain.

In his "Compendium of Materia Medica," Li Shizhen eloquently described the virtues of plums: "Plums, the fruit of the blood, invigorate the stomach, nourish the lungs, warm the spleen, stop bleeding and phlegm, detoxify, stimulate saliva to quench thirst, and treat chronic cough and diarrhea."

The Taboos of Eating Plum Candies

While plum candies are a convenient snack to aid digestion, their drawbacks outweigh their benefits when consumed excessively. Being one of the three primary carcinogens and rich in nitrite, overindulgence poses health risks. Moreover, their high salt content necessitates the use of preservatives and other additives like flavorings, further harming the body. Contemporary plum candies and similar snacks are heavily processed, containing significant amounts of preservatives. Their caloric content, albeit not exceedingly high at 4000 calories per piece, positions them among the unhealthiest snacks. Thus, moderation is key.