NIGERIAN BUSH PLUM OR MANGO AND ITS HEALTH BENEFITS

Bush plum or mango sliced 

Bush plum or mango unsliced

INTRODUCTION: Generally, plums are juicy and delicious. It is said to belong to the GENUS PRUNUS of The ROSACEAE family;  this includes peaches,  apricots and nectarines. Plums exist in diverse colours and shapes with over 2000 different varieties.  The colour of the the outer skin may vary considerably from yellow or dark red to purple or black.

The Nigerian bush plum or mango is one of such variety, with a yellow skin colour and a yellow rich fleshy inside as depicted in the picture above. It has a sweet acidic taste, very juicy and has a spiky seed. This plum is basically found in the Niger Delta part of Nigeria in general, with special reference to Rivers State and PortHarcout in particular. The high acidic taste is basically due to its high content of vitamin C,  it is rich in dietary fiber, minerals and antioxidants.

There has not been any comprehensive research as to the health benefits of this fruit found in PortHarcout. This post is based on personal findings and experiences I gathered as I consumed the fruit and the questions and answer section I had with the sellers of this fruit, together with the general knowledge of plums and their health benefits.

Coming from the street sellers as I posed my questions to them,  these were the answers I got.  (a)  it is good for the heart, (b) it is liver friendly, (c)  it cleanses the kidney (d) it cleanses infections from the body system (e) it cures cancer.  In a nutshell, the seller told me it cures many things, that it is good for the general well being of the body.

In view of this and with my own personal findings as I consumed the fruit, I discovered that the Nigerian bush plum or mango has all the components of every other plum in the globe,  if not more.  Taste may vary due to variety but components and health benefits are same.

COMPONENTS: Plums generally contains vitamins and minerals. They contain vitamins such as:

VITAMINS:

(1) vitamins A and C (ascorbic acid),
(2) folate
(3) vitamin K (phylloquinone- a type of vitamin K)
(4) vitamin B1 (thiamine)
(5) vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
(6) vitamin B3 (niacin)
(7) vitamin B6 and
(8) vitamin E (alphatocopherol-a type of vitamin E)

MINERALS:

(1) potassium
(2) phosphorus
(3) magnesium
(4) iron
(5) zinc
(6) calcium
(7) fluoride

ANTIOXIDANTS:

(1) Cryptoxanthin
(2) lutein
(3) zeaxanthin
(4) chlorogenic acid
(5) neochlorogenic acid.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF NIGERIAN BUSH PLUM OR MANGO:

(1) HEART HEALTH: The antioxidant content of bush plum acts as a protective aid in the prevention of various cardiac disorders, such as heart attack, stroke etc. Equally of note is the potassium content of plums,  this also helps to manage high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases.

(2) GOOD FOR OBESSED PEOPLE: It helps in treating obesed related complications. Studies have it that eating stone fruits  such as plum,  helps in fighting METABOLIC SYNDROME.  Also,  the flavonoids and phenolic components such as ( anthocyanins,  chlorogenic acids,  quercetin and catechins contents of plum, exert an anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects on the cells including the fat cells and they also help in preventing obesity related problems like cholesterol disorders,  cardiovascular diseases etc.

(3) CONTROLS DIABETES : Consumption of plum extracts helps in the reduction of blood glucose. The flavonoids in plum exert protective effects against insulin resistance and help to enhance insulin sensitivity in the body.

(4) BOOST  THE IMMUNE SYSTEM: The high vitamin C content in plums helps in boosting the immune system, As you know, vitamin C promotes the body's resistance against infections and inflammation.

(5) PREVENTS CANCER: Research has it that plum extracts can help treat cancer; such extracts like EPICATECHIN( a kind of flavonoid antioxidant, though found in grapes,  cocoa) now in plums helps in  inhibiting the growth and proliferation of malignant cancer cells. Also of note is the rich antioxidant content of bush plum, such as the CHLOROGENIC and NEOCHLOROGENIC  acid. These has a curative effect on breast cancer cells without harming the healthy cells of the body.

(6) PREVENTS MACULAR DEGENERATION: As stated in previous posts, yellow coloured fruits and vegetables are rich in Beta -carotene, which is a source of Vitamin A, just as seen in the bush plum or mango below:

sliced bush plum or mango 

Hence the vitamin A  content of Nigerian bush plum is good for a healthy eye sight and prevent age related macular degeneration. LUTEIN also found in yellow coloured fruits as depicted above is a carotenoids antioxidant that helps prevent cataracts and eye related diseases.

(7) IMPROVE COGNITION: Studies  have shown that the flavonoids present in plum juice are effective in providing protection against age related cognitive impairment. The antioxidants present in plums,  such as Beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin etc, helps in reducing inflammation in the neurological areas to improve learning and memory functions. It also helps in preventing certain health disorders such as Alzheimer and Parkinson's diseases.

(8) AIDS DIGESTION: Nigerian bush plum is rich in dietary fiber,  this in turn helps facilitate digestion,  because fiber rich fruits and vegetables act as roughages within the digestive system, thereby acting as bulk in the process of digestion, hence preventing constipation and the facilitation of free bowel movement.

(10) RICH IN CALCIUM: Plums are rich in calcium,  which is valuable in the maintenance of dental health.  The Nigerian bush plum is so mouth cleansing,  that a significant change is noticed in the gums and teeth after each consumption. It is definitely dental friendly.

(11) SKIN FRIENDLY: The high content of vitamin C and other antioxidants in plum makes it perfect for skincare.  It helps maintain a healthy, radiant and youthful skin. The consumption of plum helps in reducing (a)  dark spots,  (b) wrinkles.  It brings about a radiant face.  This skin benefits is basically due to the presence of anti -aging nutrients in plums. Plum extracts are used in various skin care products, such as face wash and face mask.

NOTES: FOR A BRIGHT SPOTLESS SOFT GLOWING SKIN: 

METHOD:

(1) Extract the juice of one local Nigerian bush plum
(2) Wash and dry your face.
(3) Using a cotton wool,  darb extracted juice on face        and neck
(4) Allow to dry for about 5-10mins
(5) Wash out after 10mins if you so desire or leave.          on face till morning
(6) Wash out and enjoy your glowing  soft radiant            skin
(7) If washed out at night,  apply your night face                cream or coconut oil if so desired.
(8) Use until result is achieved.

In all,  Nigerian bush plum or mango is like any other plum found around the globe with regards to its components and health benefits. It is rich in vitamins, especially vitamins A and C, it is also rich in minerals and antioxidants, which makes it heart healthy, boosts the immune system, anti cancer and anti inflammatory. It is good for the eyes because of it's vitamin A content.  It's richness in dietary fiber makes it excellent for weight loss, improves digestion and prevents constipation.  It supports brain health, and the calcium content helps maintain healthy bones and teeth.

Look out for plums in general but Nigerian bush plum in particular for that glowing health and lifestyle that you so much desire.

Notes: Comments and contributions in the comment box will be appreciated.