Plum Magic: Fruity Benefits for Your Skin

Woman eating a plum

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Plums, with their rich antioxidant and vitamin content, offer significant benefits for skin health. Regular consumption can improve skin tone, texture, and elasticity, making them a great addition to a plant-based diet for women seeking natural beauty enhancements.

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Be beauty. Be plant-based!

As a former Registered Nurse and avid plant-muncher, I’m in love with how simple plant-based foods make it easy to be beautiful.

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Welcome, lovely! Are you searching for plum fruit benefits for skin? You’re in the right place. In our journey towards a beautiful plant-based lifestyle, it’s thrilling to discover how simple fruits can enhance our beauty. Plums, with their delightful taste and numerous health benefits, are more than just a sweet treat. They are a secret weapon for radiant, healthy skin. 

Plum Basics

When we think of plums, the first image that comes to mind is the sweet, juicy fruit that brightens our summer days. But did you know there are several varieties of plums to explore? From the tangy Japanese plum to the deep-flavoured red plums, each variety offers its unique taste and health properties. Even the lesser-known damson plums and the hybrid European-Asian plums have a place in our fruit bowls.

Plums

One delightful way to enjoy plums is in the form of plum juice. Not only is it a refreshing drink, but it also packs similar skin-loving nutrients found in fresh plums. Imagine starting your day with a glass of plum juice, knowing you’re nourishing your skin from the inside out. It’s these small, delicious choices that make a plant-based lifestyle not just healthy, but joyful and flavourful too.

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Plum Fruit Benefits for Skin

Plums are more than just a delicious fruit; they’re a veritable powerhouse for your skin. Rich in powerful antioxidants, these fruits offer essential benefits for anyone seeking beautiful, radiant skin. The antioxidants in plums actively combat fine lines and dark spots, which are among the most common skin concerns. They also provide a shield against sun damage, particularly from harmful UV rays, and oxidative damage, both of which can prematurely age the skin.

In addition to these benefits, plums are fantastic for boosting collagen production. Collagen is a critical protein that maintains the skin’s firmness and elasticity, helping to keep it looking youthful and vibrant. 

Plum fruit benefits for skin

But the benefits of plums for skin health don’t end there. They are a treasure trove of skin-friendly vitamins, including Vitamin E, Vitamin K, and Vitamin A. These vitamins play a vital role in preserving the health and radiance of your skin. Additionally, plums contain ellagic acid and chlorogenic acid, compounds known for their ability to fight oxidative stress and neutralise harmful free radicals.

Skin Types and Plums

Plums are a versatile fruit, beneficial for various skin types. Whether you have oily skin, dry skin, or acne-prone skin, incorporating plums into your diet can bring visible changes. For those with sensitive skin, the anti-inflammatory properties of plums can be particularly soothing. These properties, along with chlorogenic acid, help calm irritated skin and reduce redness.

The magic doesn’t stop there. Plums are also known for improving skin texture and skin tone. The phenolic compounds in plums play a significant role in this. These compounds aid in maintaining skin elasticity, keeping your skin firm and youthful. Imagine a natural way to enhance your skin’s texture, making it smooth and supple. That’s what plums can do for you, regardless of your skin type.

Plums in Your Diet: More Than Just Taste

Incorporating plums into your diet offers more than just a burst of flavour. They have a low glycemic index, making them a smart choice for managing blood sugar levels. This is particularly important for skin health, as spikes in blood sugar can lead to skin issues such as increased oxidation and ageing. 

Plums are also an excellent source of dietary fibre, which not only aids in digestion but also helps in maintaining a clear, healthy complexion and maintaining your weight.

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Choosing to eat plums over using them in skin care products priorities getting these benefits directly and efficiently

Plum fruit benefits for skin - plum smoothie

The soluble fibre in plums, for instance, isn’t something you can get from a topical application. It’s this internal nourishment that truly makes a difference in achieving a radiant, healthy skin from within. 

Remember, a happy gut often means happy skin, and plums are a delightful way to achieve that balance.

Deliciously Plum: Recipes

Plums aren’t just a boon for your skin; they’re a treat for your taste buds too! These juicy fruits are a delightful addition to any plant-based diet, bringing a burst of natural sweetness and flavour to your meals. Let’s explore how to enjoy plums in three scrumptious vegan recipes, showcasing their versatility in the kitchen.

Firstly, imagine starting your day with a Plum Breakfast Smoothie. Blend ripe plums with bananas, almond milk, and a dash of cinnamon for a creamy, dreamy morning drink. It’s a perfect combination of sweet and nutritious, sure to energise your day.

Try this: Spiced Plum Smoothie Bowl at Carol’s Vegan Kitchen 

The spices will give your skin further antioxidants and protection from premature ageing!

For lunch, a Fresh Plum Salad can be a refreshing choice. Toss sliced plums with mixed greens, walnuts, and a zingy ginger-lemon dressing. The plums add a juicy sweetness that perfectly balances the tangy dressing, creating a symphony of flavours in every bite.

Plum salad

Try this: Plum and Tomato Salad with Lemon Ginger Dressing at The Plant Palette

And for an evening treat, how about baking some vegan plum muffins? Sweet plums, folded into a light, fluffy batter, create a delicious snack or dessert that’s both satisfying and guilt-free. These muffins are a testament to how plums can transform a simple recipe into something extraordinary.

Plum muffins

Try these: Plum and Cardamom Muffins at Tasha’s Artisan Foods

Whether it’s in smoothies, salads, or sweet treats, plums bring a unique and delightful flavour that enhances any vegan dish. So, let’s dive into the delicious world of plums and discover how they can make our plant-based meals even more enjoyable!

Beyond Plum Fruit Benefits for Skin

Plums are indeed more than just a skin enhancer; they have far-reaching health benefits beyond plum fruit benefits for skin. 

Rich in ellagic acid and beta carotene, plums provide robust protection against oxidative stress and free radical damage. These factors are crucial not only for maintaining beautiful skin but also for safeguarding the body against environmental stressors and signs of overall ageing.

But the health benefits of plums extend even further. These juicy fruits are excellent for enhancing blood circulation. Improved circulation means more oxygen and nutrients are efficiently transported throughout your body, contributing to overall vitality and energy.

Plum fruit benefits for skin - 
Woman holding plums

Plums also play a significant role in supporting the immune system. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, they help strengthen the body’s defences against infections and diseases. Regular consumption of plums can mean fewer sick days and more time enjoying life’s pleasures.

Another significant benefit of plums is their ability to regulate cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is a common concern, but including plums in your diet can help maintain these levels within a healthy range. This, in turn, reduces the risk of heart-related issues, making plums a heart-healthy choice.

Plums are also great for the digestive system. Thanks to their dietary fibre content, they promote regular bowel movements and help prevent constipation. Eating plums on a regular basis can lead to a healthier, more comfortable digestive process.

In summary, plums offer a multitude of health benefits beyond their beauty-boosting properties. From improving blood circulation and boosting the immune system to managing cholesterol levels and aiding digestion, plums are a powerhouse of nutrition and health. Including them in your diet can be a delicious way to promote overall well-being.

Choosing and Storing Plums

Selecting the best fresh plums can make all the difference in enjoying their full benefits. When shopping, look for plums that are firm but yield slightly to pressure, indicating they’re ripe and juicy. The skin should be smooth and free from blemishes. Remember, the deeper the colour, the higher the concentration of beneficial nutrients.

Storing plums is just as important as choosing them. To retain their health benefits, keep unripe plums at room temperature until they ripen. Once ripe, plums can be stored in the refrigerator to extend their freshness. This way, you can ensure you’re always ready to add the nutritious and delicious goodness of plums to your diet, reaping both the beauty and health benefits they offer.

FAQ: Plum fruit benefits for skin

What does plum fruit do in the body?

Plum benefits the body in multiple ways. They are rich in antioxidants, which protect against oxidative stress and free radical damage. Plums also support good digestion, enhance skin health, and improve blood circulation. They’re a delicious way to boost overall health.

Do plums make your hair grow?

While there’s no direct evidence that plums specifically promote hair growth, they are nutritious for hair follicles. Plums contain vitamins and minerals that support overall health, which can contribute to healthier hair. A well-nourished body often reflects in the form and health of the hair.

Do plums clean your stomach?

Yes, plums can aid in cleansing your digestive system. They are high in dietary fibre, which helps in regular bowel movements and cleansing the stomach. This fibre also contributes to a healthy gut microbiome, essential for digestion and overall health.

Who should not eat plums?

People with certain conditions should be cautious. Those with kidney problems should avoid plums due to their oxalates, which can affect kidney function. Additionally, people with fructose intolerance should limit their intake, as plums contain natural sugars. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider if you have specific health concerns.

Conclusion

Incorporating plums into your daily routine is a delightful way to enhance not only your skin but also your overall health. From improving skin tone and texture to contributing to better bone and mental health, plums are a small fruit with big benefits. Remember, whether it’s through eating them fresh, enjoying a glass of plum juice, or applying a homemade plum face mask, there are numerous ways to enjoy the goodness of plums.

References

Akter, S., Hong, H., Netzel, M. et al. Determination of Ellagic Acid, Punicalagin, and Castalagin from Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) by a Validated UHPLC-PDA-MS/MS Methodology. Food Anal. Methods 14, 2534–2544 (2021).

Chun OK, Kim DO, Moon HY, Kang HG, Lee CY. Contribution of individual polyphenolics to total antioxidant capacity of plums. J Agric Food Chem. 2003;51(25):7240-7245. doi:10.1021/jf0343579

Działo M, Mierziak J, Korzun U, Preisner M, Szopa J, Kulma A. The Potential of Plant Phenolics in Prevention and Therapy of Skin Disorders. Int J Mol Sci. 2016;17(2):160. Published 2016 Feb 18. doi:10.3390/ijms17020160

Liang N, Kitts DD. Role of Chlorogenic Acids in Controlling Oxidative and Inflammatory Stress Conditions. Nutrients. 2015;8(1):16. Published 2015 Dec 25. doi:10.3390/nu8010016