Ximenia americana, commonly known as
yellow plum or
sea lemon, is a small sprawling tree of woodlands native to the tropics.
Leaves are oval shaped, bright green and have a strong smell of almonds. Flowers are pale in color. Fruits are lemon-yellow or orange-red.
Uses:
As food:The fruits have a pleasant plum like flavor. In Asia, the young leaves are cooked as a vegetable. However, the leaves also contain cyanide and need to be thoroughly cooked, and should not be eaten in large amounts.
In medicine:It is being investigated by researchers from Nigeria's Ahamadu Bello University. In animal tests, it is showing promise against the parasite that causes sleeping sickness and severe anaemia in livestock in many parts of Africa. Leaf extract is active against Escherischia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. Tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, anthraquinones, starch, general glycosides and bitter principles can be found in the extract. Indigenous people of Florida used the bark to treat sore muscles and gums.
The root also contains the fatty acids tariric acid and 10Z,14E, 16E-octadeca-10,14,16-triene-12-ynoic acid.
Health benefits:
Fresh
yellow plum contains vitamin A and beta carotene good for eyesight and skin.
Plum is a delicious and juicy fruit, low in calories containing
no fats but abundant in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.Plums are called
super-food by scientists and known for cancer prevention, digestive health, brain health, blood sugar, macular prevention and weight loss.
Plum contains
dietary fibre,
sorbitol and isatin is good for smooth functioning of digestive system and cure constipation because being an effective natural laxative.
The presence of
niacin, vitamin B-6, and patothenic acid is good in the metabolism of carbohydrate, protein and fat.
Plum has adequate amount of
Iron, Potassium and fluoride. Iron is good in the formation of RBC; Potassium helps to regulate heart beat and blood pressure while Fluoride is beneficial for strengthening of teeth.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, Zea-xanthin, lutein, cryptoxanthin, are health promoting compounds and as scavenger against free radicals which are responsible for many diseases. The ample amount of vitamin C helps to fight infections and increases the resistance power of the body.
In a recent study, it has been shown that that dried plums
helps to restore bone mass thereby prevent osteoporosis.
Eating plums helps in the
production and absorption of iron thus good for blood circulation and overall health of the body.
Regular eating of plums is
good for vision and macular degeneration.In new research, it has been observed that consumption of plums have
anti-cancerous effects and prevents the growth of carcinogenic cells. The dietary fiber of plums is beneficial in protection against gastro and respiratory cancers.
A study conducted at University of Florida and Oklahoma had shown that dried plums are good for
bone health, increase bone density thus effective in case of osteoporosis and fractures. It is
especially effective with menopausal women.Plums help to reduced
cholesterol by inhibiting LDL oxidation in human and beneficial for heart diseases. It is also effective to cardiovascular problems due to presence of potassium that helps to maintain body fluid levels.
Black plums have many medicinal values like the bark, seeds and leaves are used in treatment of diabetes; leaves are used for strengthening of teeth because of antibacterial properties, barks are also good for throat problems.
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