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Key Takeaways
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Japan consistently ranks among the countries with the longest life expectancy in the world. Genetics may be a factor, but researchers and health enthusiasts usually point to lifestyle factors, specifically diet, being the key reason why so many Japanese people enjoy long, healthy lives.
Among the many traditional foods credited with supporting this longevity is the Japanese Ume, a type of plum that has been a household staple for centuries. There’s a Japanese saying, “One umeboshi (pickled plum) a day keeps the doctor away (1日1粒の梅干で医者いらず)” This is the Japanese equivalent of “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
There is actually a fair bit of science to back it up, even if it sounds like folk wisdom.
The challenge, of course, is that most of us don’t have easy access to fresh Japanese plums. Even if we did, consuming enough of them regularly to experience all plum benefits would be impractical. This is the reason why plum balls are sold in the market. These small supplements pack the goodness of Japanese Ume into a convenient form so it’s easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
Let’s discuss how plum balls can support detoxification, boost immunity, and improve digestion.
The Power of the Japanese Ume
The Japanese Ume isn’t quite like the plums you might find at your local supermarket. It is bigger, rounder, and significantly richer in nutrients than the Chinese and Taiwanese varieties. It is sometimes called the “blue diamond of fruits” because of its rich nutrient profile.
Ume plums are rich in Vitamin C, iron, calcium, and phosphorus. They also contain twice as much protein as most other fruits, which is something that surprises many people who assume fruits are primarily a source of carbohydrates and fibre.
The high levels of citric acid and other organic acids give Ume its characteristic tartness. But more importantly, these compounds play a crucial role in the health benefits associated with the fruit.
The most significant aspect of Ume is its alkalinity. It is usually referred to as the “King of Alkaline Foods” apart from spinach, and this distinction matters more than you might think. The plum benefits from its highly alkaline nature help to neutralise the acidity caused by our regular consumption of meat, sugar, processed foods, and dairy.
Health Benefits of Plum Balls
#1 - Detoxification and Liver Support
Ume contains picric acid that helps the liver neutralise toxins more effectively. We live in a world where we are constantly exposed to environmental pollutants, food additives, and other toxins, so having this superfood is a helpful support to your liver.
#2 - Digestive Health and Gut Immunity
Plum contains catechin acid, which has natural antibacterial properties that can eliminate harmful bacteria in the intestines. The fruit also speeds up intestinal movement, acting as a gentle, natural aid for those dealing with constipation or slow digestion.
Interestingly, it’s also effective for the opposite problem. Plum has traditionally been used to help with diarrhoea and food poisoning because it helps restore balance in the digestive system. For those who struggle with bloating, gas, or general digestive discomfort, the plum benefits in this area can be quite noticeable.
#3 - Energy, Vitality, and Anti-Ageing
Are you feeling tired all the time? The buildup of lactic acid in the body can be one of the reasons why. When lactic acid accumulates (due to poor diet, lack of exercise, or simply the stresses of daily life), it can slow down your metabolism and leave you feeling drained.
The high citric and phosphoric acid content in plum balls helps break down this lactic acid, improving metabolism and converting food into energy more efficiently.
This same process is also linked to anti-ageing benefits, as it supports cellular health and helps the body function more optimally.
#4 - Supports the Immune System
Plum is known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. Regular consumption is said to increase the body’s natural healing power and improve resistance to common ailments like colds, coughs, and sore throats.
For those looking to give their immune system a natural boost, especially during flu season or periods of high stress, the plum benefits in this area are worth considering.
#5 - Rich in Essential Minerals
Aside from the benefits already mentioned, plum balls are an excellent source of calcium, iron, and phosphorus. Because of their nutrient content, they’re beneficial for pregnant women, growing children, the elderly, and anyone dealing with conditions like anaemia or arthritis.
The citric acid in plum also improves the absorption of these minerals, meaning your body can actually use what it’s taking in.
What Makes Nature’s Glory Plum Balls Different?
Not all plum balls that you find in the market are equal in terms of quality and benefits. The quality of the source fruit, the manufacturing process, and what’s added (or not added) are factors that make the difference night and day.
Nature’s Glory Plum Balls are made from concentrated juice of Japanese Ume, harvested when the acid content is at its highest. The plums are boiled down to form a thick syrup, yielding a concentrated extract that’s 30 times stronger than the fresh fruit itself. To put this into perspective, one fresh plum of 25 grams makes just two plum balls.
This concentrate is then combined with wild Japanese mountain yam, known as Jinenjo, which acts as a digestive aid and increases the potency of the plum balls.
What you won’t find in Nature’s Glory Plum Balls is equally important. Unlike some other brands, there’s no added citric acid or chemicals to artificially enhance the sourness. The product contains only two ingredients. Ume plum concentrate and wild mountain yam. There’s also no chemical coating on the surface of the balls, which means they’re more easily absorbed by the body.
How to Incorporate Plum Balls into Your Daily Routine
One of the best things about plum balls is how easy they are to take. The recommended dosage for adults is 10 to 15 balls (or more) daily, taken after meals. You can swallow them whole, suck on them, or chew them — whatever you prefer.
They’re suitable for different kinds of people:
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Busy professionals looking for an energy boost
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Older adults wanting to support their bone health
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Pregnant women needing extra calcium and iron
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Anyone simply looking to improve their overall wellness
Because they’re a food-based supplement rather than a synthetic one, they are generally well-tolerated and can be taken alongside your regular diet.
Store them in a cool, dry place, and they’ll keep well for extended periods, making it easy to maintain a consistent routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main benefits of eating plums?
The main benefits include helping with digestion, boosting energy levels, supporting liver detoxification, and strengthening the immune system. Plums are also highly alkaline, meaning they can help neutralise excess acidity in the body caused by modern diets.
How many plum balls should I take per day?
The recommended dosage for adults is 10 to 15 plum balls daily after meals. You can swallow, suck, or chew them however you wish to eat them. Higher doses can be taken during periods of digestive discomfort or low energy.
Are plum balls safe during pregnancy?
Plum balls are generally considered safe for pregnant women and can be beneficial due to their high calcium and iron content. The citric acid in plum also helps improve the absorption of these minerals, which are essential during pregnancy.
What is the difference between Japanese Ume and regular plums?
Japanese Ume plums are bigger, rounder, and contain significantly more nutrients than Chinese, Taiwanese, or Western plum varieties. They have higher levels of citric acid, calcium, iron, and phosphorus, and contain twice as much protein as most other fruits.
A Simple Addition with Lasting Benefits
The Japanese have known about plum benefits for centuries. This underrated fruit offers a surprising range of health advantages, all in a convenient, concentrated form.
There is something refreshing about a solution this simple, in a world where we are overwhelmed with numerous health advice and expensive supplements. A few plum balls after each meal, and you’re tapping into the same traditional wisdom that has supported Japanese longevity for generations.
If you are curious to experience these benefits for yourself, Nature’s Glory organic plum balls are available in packs of 150 or 750 balls.