Plums have a sour taste and a cool nature, and their nutritional value is not particularly high. However, they do have certain medicinal value, such as improving appetite and promoting digestion. Therefore, many people enjoy eating plums. But is it good to eat too many plums? What happens if you eat too many plums?
Is it good to eat too many plums?
"There are peaches that nourish people, apricots that harm people, and plums that bury people under the tree." This is a summary of ancient experience, which warns us not to eat too many plums as it can be harmful to the body. Let's take a look at what happens when you eat too many plums.
Causes acid reflux
Plums have a sour taste and can stimulate the secretion of gastric acid and digestive enzymes, thereby improving appetite and digestion. They are particularly effective for those who lack gastric acid, experience bloating after meals, or have constipation. However, eating too many plums can lead to excessive secretion of gastric acid, resulting in acid reflux.
Damages the spleen and stomach
"Compendium of Dinnan Materia Medica" records that eating too many plums can damage the spleen and stomach. This is mainly because plums are cool in nature, and excessive consumption of cold foods can cause spleen and stomach deficiency. Spleen deficiency can affect digestion, which is why many people experience diarrhea after eating too many plums. Additionally, plums contain a high amount of fruit acid, which can stimulate excessive secretion of gastric acid and damage the gastric mucosa, leading to stomach pain.
Damages the teeth
Acidic foods that linger in the oral cavity for a long time can damage tooth enamel. Plums have a strong sour taste, and consuming too many plums can create an acidic environment in the mouth. People with already damaged tooth enamel may experience noticeable toothache after eating plums.
Causes phlegm production
"Guide to Dietary Prescriptions at Suixi Residence" states that eating too many plums can cause phlegm production and worsen dampness-related diseases such as malaria. Individuals with spleen deficiency should especially avoid eating too many plums.
Causes weakness in the body
Sun Simiao said, "Do not eat too many plums, as it can make a person weak." In daily life, it has been observed that consuming too many plums can lead to symptoms such as weakness, restlessness, dizziness, and excessive sweating.
What to pay attention to when eating plums
1. Plums that taste bitter or astringent and do not sink in water are toxic and should not be eaten, as they are unripe.
2. It is advisable not to eat more than 5 plums (100 grams) per day.
3. Plums should not be consumed together with green fish; plums should also not be consumed with honey, as well as game meat, chicken meat, chicken eggs, duck meat, duck eggs, and deer meat.
Who should avoid eating plums
Children should not eat too many plums.
Individuals with spleen deficiency, phlegm dampness, or weak constitution should not eat too many plums.
People with ulcers or acute/chronic gastritis should avoid eating plums.
