Plum Perfect
Sue Bedford (MSc Nutritional Therapy)
Plums are abundant in the autumn and not only are they nutritious they are also delicious! Eating seasonal fresh produce provides the body with the essential nutrients needed at that specific time of year. Native to China and Europe, plums are a member of the rose family and have been eaten for at least 2,000 years and there are also over 2,000 varieties, including greengages, victoria plums and purple plums!
Packed full of important nutrients including vitamin C, selenium, iron, potassium, beta carotene and chromium, Plums also contain anthocyanins as well as antioxidants, both of which are important to health and fertility. Some of the main roles of these nutrients provided by plums in the body include: protecting eye health and brain tissue and providing iron to help keep the blood healthy. In relation to fertility, they are linked to supporting a healthy liver function (important re detoxification of hormones), helping to balance blood sugar levels and help prevent constipation due to the fibre that they contain in the form of pectin (along with others) which helps to move food effectively through the colon. Plums provide the highest nutrient content when they are ripe.
Important: Plums are high in oxalates- check with your GP or qualified Nutritional Therapist /Dietician if you are unsure about their suitability for you.
Enjoy plums:
- In a lovely plum smoothie
- As a plum sauce with banana pancakes
- Make a fruit salad with plums and berries such as blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries. Why not add mint and honey to enhance their taste?
- Add plums to your breakfast cereals
- Poached in cinnamon with natural yoghurt sprinkled with nuts and seeds of your choice and drizzled with honey
- Add them to a salad with couscous or rice
- Oven-baked, sprinkled in cinnamon and orange zest. Enjoy with crème Fraiche or natural yoghurt
Recipe ideas:
Perfect plum smoothie (makes 2 smoothies)
Ingredients:
4 plums – washed, destoned and cut into chunks (keep the skin on as most antioxidants are just under the skin)
250ml fresh apple juice or orange juice
200g natural live yoghurt
½ inch of fresh ginger grated (optional)
Honey to add sweetness if required
To make: Place all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour over ice and enjoy!
Sue is a Nutritional Therapist specialising in fertility, women’s health and general wellness. She is the nutritionist for IVF Babble, IVF Babble Africa and Emme Magazine. There are lots of recipes and nutrition articles over on IVF Babble written by Sue in the wellness section- https://prime.ivfbabble.com/nutrition-recipes/
Sue is able to offer remote Nutritional Therapy consultations. If you would like more information, do take a look at her website www.suebedfordnutrition.co.uk or send her an email sbnutrition@btinternet.com
