Governor’s plum is native to parts of Africa and Asia with tropical climates. When ripe, it can be eaten raw. However, the pulp with a sweet and a little tart taste is also commonly turned into jams and preserves, as well as for sweetening cakes, pies and other desserts. It is possible to have governor’s plum fermented and turned into wine, too.
Experts say that the regular consumption of the fruit helps you attain optimal health, thanks to its impressive nutritional profile. Fiber, protein, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, phosphorous, vitamins A and C — all of these can be obtained from every serving of governor’s plum. It’s also because of the presence of these nutrients why the addition of governor’s plum in the diet can help ward off or even relieve a variety of conditions and diseases, such as:
Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Like what the name says, this type of anemia is due to insufficient amounts of iron in the diet. Iron is a mineral that’s vital for the production of red blood cells or RBCs, which are the oxygen-carrying components of the blood. Regular intake of iron-containing governor’s plum can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia from striking.
Upper Respiratory Infections
Since governor’s plum is a good source of vitamin C, its addition in your diet can help lower your risk of cold, cough and other upper respiratory tract infections. In case you already have an infection, go ahead and load up on vitamin C-rich governor’s plum to assist your body in fighting off your upper respiratory tract problem.
Diarrhea and Dehydration
One of the many uses of governor’s plum in the world of traditional medicine is for relieving diarrhea. The juicy pulp of governor’s plum contains good amounts of water and minerals, and this only means that consuming the fruit during a bout of diarrhea can help replace lost fluids and electrolytes, saving you from dehydration.
Constipation
It’s also a wonderful idea to include governor’s plum in your diet if you have constipation as it can help in making your bowel movement regular once more. Everyone knows that the consumption of fiber-rich foods such as governor’s plum is one of the best ways to keep at bay constipation and all the uncomfortable symptoms it comes with.
Loss of Vision
Because of the vitamin A in governor’s plum, eating this tropical fruit on a regular basis can help keep your vision as sharp as a razor. That’s because vitamin A is an antioxidant that helps protect the vital structures of your eyes from being damaged by free radicals, as well as from degenerating due to the aging process.
Bone Weakening
Did you know that calcium, which can be found in governor’s plum, is not the only mineral you need to strengthen your bones? According to experts, a few other nutrients are also essential for strong and healthy bones. One of these nutrients is phosphorous, and you can obtain it simply by consuming governor’s plum regularly.
Joint Pain
Your bones are not the only ones that can benefit from your regular intake of governor’s plum, but also your joints. Based on studies, many of the minerals in the said fruit are necessary for arthritis prevention and relief. Vitamin C in governor’s plum is also crucial for the synthesis of collagen, a very important component of healthy and pain-free joints.
Various Forms of Allergies
Having a strong immune system is vital if you often find yourself suffering from an allergy, be it of the skin or the respiratory system. One of the best ways to keep your body’s natural defenses against attacking microbes or allergens is by having plenty of vitamin C-rich foods, and one of the most delectable of them is governor’s plum.
