Medicinal Plant Value of the Plums - Book Report/Review Example

 Medicinal Plant Value of the Plums Abstract Prunus domestica is a plant is found in most parts of the world. This plant has many medicinal properties that make it so significant to scientific study.Some of the medical properties include prevention against oxygen baseddamage to cells, normalizing blood sugar, prevents constipation,and strengthens the immune system among others discussed below.Plums, however, have some quantities of oxalates that are harmful if they accumulate in the body. Consequently, people suffering from kidney diseases should restrain from plums. Introduction Plums plant is scientifically known as“Prunus domestica.”The dried version of its fruits isknown as prunes.There are very many varieties of plums that exist widely dispersed over the globe. They are classified into six categories including Japanese, Damson, wild, American, European/Garden and Omamental plums (Stacewicz, 2001). This plant has attracted scientist’s attention resulting to numerous health researches that have lend todiscovery ofmany medicinal propertiesof this plant.Despite the many medical advantages, there is some negative connotation that they are associated to old age, wrinkles, and also sluggish gastrointestinal tracts. This is however not true and not backed by any evidence.This paper focuses on giving a detailed analysis of the medicinal values of this plant. The medical values of prunes are as outlined below. Medicinal value in prunes Presence of antioxidant phytonutrients:medical research on prunes have lend to discoveries of high phytonutrients (chlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid)content in prunes(Nakatani, 2000).These substances are categorized as zphenols which act as antioxidantseffective in neutralizing a dangerous oxygen radical ‘superoxide anion Radical’responsible for oxygen-based damage. Phenols therefore prevent againstoxygen-based damage of brain cells, membranes and fats in the body. Normalizing blood sugar: these fibers are important in slowing down the rate of glucose absorption in the stomach after a meal(Bazzano, 2003). These fibers also increase insulin sensitivity hence can help in treatment and prevention of diabetes type 2. Slowing down food movement brings about a feeling ofsatisfied fullness preventing overeating and weight gaining. Intestinal protection, lower cholesterol and regularity: prunes prevent constipation and provide bulk in the stomach reducing transmit time for fecal matter reducing risk of hemorrhoids and colon cancer. The fibers also provide nourishment for friendly bacteria in the colon which ferment the fibers to produce short-chain fatty acids called ‘butyric acid’ responsible for a healthy colon(Bazzano, 2003)..The bacteria’s also form acetic acid and propionic acid. Propionic acid inhibits ‘HMG- CoA reductase’ that is involved in production of cholesterol leading to reduced cholesterol formation by the liver. These soluble fibers also lead to reduced rate of cardiovascular diseases (Bazzano, 2003). Protection against postmenopausal breast cancer and ion absorption in ladies: consumption of fruit fibers and cereal fibers in a woman’s diet leads to decrease in risk of breast cancer(Zuzuki, 2008). A research on breast cancer in 2008 revealed that consumption offruit fiber accounted for 34% reduction of breast cancer while consumption of cereal fiber accounted for 50% reduction.Prunes also have an ability to increase absorption of ion in the body leading to better blood cell formation. Prunes are very rich sources of vitamin C andthis account for the ability of prunes to influence absorb iron (Ballot, 1987). Strengthening the immune system: vitamin C is very important for healthy tissues and strong immune system.In the cold and flu seasons ingesting prunes provides vitamin C that boosts the immune andintensify the body’s fight against the pathogens (Rosner,2004). Vitamin C also protect oxidation of cholesterol by free radicals preventing atherosclerosis since cholesterol cannot stick to artery walls unless after oxidation. According to Rosner, Vitamin C also neutralizes free radicals preventing diseases such as asthma, osteoarthritis, colon cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis that arise from these radicals(2004). Reduced rate of Alzheimer’sdisease at old age: plums are moderate sources of group B-complex vitamins such as vitamin B-6, niacin and pantothenic acid(Rosner, 2004). These vitamins act as enzyme cofactors aid in body metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Prunes also provide 5% of RDA level of vitamin k. According to Rosner, vitamins are responsible for blood clotting and metabolism in the bone that help reduce the chance of Alzheimer’s in old age(2004). Elimination of germs: according to Stacewicz,prunes have some chemical substances which after digestion are able to kill reddysentery germs, large intestine germs and cholera germs (2001). Prunes are also of great importance in the body since they are strong alkaline foods hence their presence brings about a balance in alkalinity and acidity of the blood. Protection against osteopenia and osteoporosis: research has proven that plums can be able to address osteoporosis in women at their post-menopausal (Ensminger, 1983). This property of the plums can be linkedto high concentration of a trace element known as Boron that is associated with osteoporosis and osteopenia prevention. A serving of 100 grams fulfills the daily Boron requirement. Despite the high medicinal value of prunes, they also contain a significant amount of oxalates whose concentration in human body fluids may make them crystalize leading to health problems (Stacewicz, 2001). Consequently individuals who have existing untreated gallbladder or kidney problems should avoid eating plums. Oxalates also lower calcium absorption but this is to a very minor extentwhich cannot overweigh the foods calcium contribution. Nutrient content of prunes Nutrient content in 1.002-1/8 inches , 66.00 grams of flesh plum that provide 30 calories of energy Nutrient Amount DRI/DV (%) Nutrient Density Worlds healthiest food rating Vitamin K 4.22mcg 4.7 2.8 Good Vitamin C 6.27mg 8.4 5.0 Very good Copper 0.04mg 4.4 2.6 Good Potassium 103.62 3.0 1.8 Good Fiber 0.92g 3.7 2.2 Good Conclusion In conclusion, prunes form a rich source offood materials that are so important to the body’s metabolism.They therefore bear a lot of significance medically. Consumption of prunes helps in stabilizing blood sugar level, iron absorption, strengthening of the body’s immunity andmany others. However, people suffering from gallbladder and kidney infections should not consume plums due to presence of oxalates that may worsen the condition. References Ballot D, Baynes RD, Bothwell TH, et al. The effects of fruit juices and fruits on the absorption of iron from a rice meal. Br J Nutr 1987 May;57(3):331-43. 1987. PMID:13550. Bazzano LA, He J, Ogden LG, Loria CM, Whelton PK. Dietary fiber intake and reduced risk of coronary heart disease in US men and women: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I Epidemiologic Follow-up Study. Arch Intern Med. 2003 Sep 8;163(16):1897-904. 2003. Cho E, Seddon JM, Rosner B, Willett WC, Hankinson SE. Prospective study of intake of fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and carotenoids and risk of age-related maculopathy. Arch Ophthalmol. 2004 Jun;122(6):883-92. 2004. PMID:15197064. 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