1) FOR HEART HEALTH

Umeboshi may contain substances that help prevent heart disease and improve your coronary health in general. Back in 2002, the American Physiological Society voiced its findings that the Japanese plum skin contained various substances that had a positive effect on the heart. (1)

These substances which the named collectively ‘baniku-ekisu’ helped to block certain processes that caused a hardening of the arteries. This hardening is known as atherosclerosis and is one of the major heart diseases in the world responsible for an untold number of deaths every year.

2) ANTIOXIDANT VALUE

Eating a healthy diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables can help provide you with abundant natural antioxidants known as phytochemicals. By now, scientists are certain that antioxidants are absolutely vital to our health. They protect us from the damage caused by free radicals, reduce the risk of disease and even help delay the aging process.

Research has managed to isolate over 20 different antioxidant compounds from umeboshi plums and they are believed to have excellent antioxidant value. A handful of these salty plums each day might go a long way towards keeping the doctor away. The Japanese have believed it for centuries and they have a longevity to be envied by the rest of the world.

3) ORAL HEALTH

Research has also demonstrated that umeboshi can help improve your oral health in a number of different ways.

According to research, umeboshi might help to maintain the health of your gums. Research published in 2011, tested various substances isolated from Japanese plums against common oral bacteria.

They found that umeboshi exerted powerful antimicrobial activities against all of the bacteria tested. It was especially effective against bacterium responsible for causing gum disease or gingivitis. Apart from being an uncomfortable condition in its own right, it is important to treat gingivitis early to keep periodontitis – a more serious dental complication at bay. (2)

4) GASTRIC ULCERS

Stomach ulcers can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort from anybody that suffers with them. They occur when the lining of your intestines or gut become swollen and inflamed. One common bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers is a bacteria called Helicobacter Pylori.

I have read links to research that demonstrated eating plenty of umeboshi may help protect a person from gastric ulcers. According to the articles, the fruit contains substances which can inhibit the H.pylori bacteria and therefore reduce intestinal inflammation. Unfortunately I have been unable to find the published research referred to.

5) WEIGHT CONTROL

Owing to their decent nutritional value and their low calorie count, umeboshi likely make a good choice for those of you that are watching your weight. A gram of umeboshi has fewer than 7 calories and they also contain plenty of dietary fiber.

Fiber rich foods can hep you feel fuller for longer and resist the temptation to snack throughput the day. They would certainly make for an effective snack especially if they are used to replace unhealthy calorie laden snacks that many people favor.

6) DIGESTIVE HEALTH

Eating fiber rich fruit and veg like umeboshi may help improve the functions of your digestive system which can have a profound effect on your general health.

According to traditional use, umeboshi can help alleviate the symptoms of poor digestion including dyspepsia and bloating. The dietary fiber found in the fruit can also help add bulk to the stools which can alleviate bouts of constipation. According to traditional use, the fruits are also a great natural remedy for diarrhea.

7. OTHER BENEFITS

The Japanese believe that umeboshi can help the body detoxify. Many even use the fruit to get rid of a hangover from a heavy night of drinking. The fruit has also been eaten as a general health tonic and to give people a boost of energy.