Damson Overview

Damson also known as damson plum (whose scientific name is Prunus domestica) is a small fruit with vibrant dark blue skin and a strong, sour flavour, damsons are similar to plums and a member of the rose family.  They have a large stone and are often juicy, but tend not be eaten raw due to the tartness of the flesh.

There are far more sugars in damsons than in normal plums, which is why they are so sought after as flavoring agents and ingredients in various pastries, desserts, candies, and even main meals. Damsons can also be made into a form of sloe gin, as well as damson wine, but the main places you’ll find it is in sweet treats.

Nutritional Value of Damson

Damson plums are high in Vitamin C, dietary fiber, potassium, phosphorous, copper, manganese, and magnesium.

Amount per 100g

• Calories 43
• Total Fat 0g
• Sodium 2mg
• Potassium 240mg
• Total Carbohydrate 9g – 9% RDA
• Dietary Fiber 2g – 2% RDA
• Protein 1g – 1% RDA
• Vitamin A 6% RDA
• Vitamin C 4% RDA
• Calcium 1% RDA
• Iron 3% RDA

Nutrition Health Benefits of Damson

Damson health benefits includes their ability to improve the digestive system, lower cholesterol, protect against heart disease, strengthen bones, increase energy, optimize sleeping patterns, decrease your risk of certain types of cancer, and boost the immune system.

1. Heart Health

Damson plums has dietary fiber which reduce excess cholesterol, as fiber can scrape “bad” cholesterol from the system and eliminate it from the body, thereby helping to maintain a proper cholesterol balance in the body. Furthermore, the high level of potassium in damson plums acts as a vasodilator, relaxing the tension on blood vessels and reducing the strain on the cardiovascular system.

2. Aids in Digestion

Dietary fiber in damson aids in digestive health as it adds bulk to the stool and helps to move food through the digestive tract, eliminating constipation, bloating, cramping, and more serious conditions as well, such as colorectal cancer and gastric ulcers. Fiber can also help to maximize nutrient intake and aid in weight loss efforts, since your digestive system will be working at optimal levels.

3. Reduces Cancer Risk

Certain research studies on damson plums have shown that the phytonutrients present in the skin and in the natural coloring of the fruit can prevent or even reverse development of breast cancer cells.

4. Boost Immunity

The high level of vitamin C in damson plums makes it a very effective booster for your immune system, as vitamin C is one of the main lines of defense against illness, and it also stimulates the production of white blood cells by the immune system to scour the body and keep it healthy.

5. Strengthens Bones

Manganese, copper, iron and phosphorous are essential minerals that are important for bone health as well, given that those minerals contribute to bone mineral density and the prevention of osteoporosis.

6. Aids in sleep

Damson plums have been praised for their ability to deliver a solid night of restful sleep. This is likely due to the high concentration of magnesium and vitamin C, both of which help to regulate sleep, but people still use damson plums as regulatory sleep aids when you simply aren’t getting enough rest.

7. Prevents Anemia

Damson has both copper and iron which are two vital components of red blood cells and can keep your circulation at peak levels, energizing the body and ensure proper oxygenation of the body. Anemia occur as a result of iron deficiency.

8. Skin Care

They are rich in vitamin C along with other antioxidants which help to preserve healthful, radiant and youthful skin. Vitamin C helps in the production of collagen which provides integrity, firmness and elasticity to the skin thereby preventing aging and formation of wrinkles. The consumption of plums facilitates in decreasing darkish spots and wrinkles due to the presence of anti aging nutrients. Plum extracts are utilized in diverse pores and skin care products which includes face wash and packs.