Who should avoid plums: Essential tips for safe eating
2:24 PM EDT, July 29, 2024
Beloved and eagerly awaited, plums are an excellent addition to the diet. They exhibit antioxidant properties and benefit the digestive system. Nevertheless, not everyone can enjoy these benefits. See who should avoid plums.
There are many varieties of plums, differing in taste and appearance. However, they all share similar nutritional values and are praised and recommended for inclusion in everyone's menu. It is worth noting that although plums are healthy, they are not suitable for everyone.
Who should not eat plums?
People allergic to salicylates should not eat plums. Salicylates are compounds found in plums that can trigger allergies. Undesirable reactions after consuming plums may include rash, shortness of breath, and digestive issues.
Plums are a source of fructose and should be avoided by people with fructose intolerance. Fructose intolerance is a hypersensitivity to the sugar found in fruits. Individuals with this condition may experience unpleasant gastric discomfort after eating plums, such as diarrhea, bloating, nausea, and severe abdominal pain.
Contraindications to consuming plums include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) since they might exacerbate the symptoms of the condition. In the intestine, these fruits undergo bacterial fermentation, which is associated with increased carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and methane production. Consequently, this fermentation results in discomfort and fluid in the stomach.
Who should limit their consumption of plums?
Plums can be part of a diabetic's diet if consumed moderately. They should not constitute a separate meal but be paired with protein and fat. The situation is different with dried plums, which contain more fructose and significantly raise glucose levels in the body. Additionally, when consumed in excess, plums, especially dried ones but also fresh, can have a laxative effect. Therefore, moderate consumption of these fruits is recommended for everyone, including healthy individuals.
It is also worth mentioning plum pits—they are highly toxic because they contain a cyanogenic compound called amygdalin. Amygdalin consumed in large quantities can cause shortness of breath and serious breathing problems. While swallowing one pit does not pose a significant threat, it is important to remove the seeds from inside the fruit before consumption.
