IV. 梅干的功效

3. Strengthening the Liver

Overeating, drinking, and stress have contributed to the increase of people with weak livers today. A very small amount of picric acid in ume plums helps strengthen the liver function and sterilize the liver. Although it is said that sourness strengthens the liver, the sourness of fruits and vinegar have different functions. The sourness also has Yin and Yang. For diarrhea (Yin), the sourness of vinegar and fruits which are also Yin do not work. On the contrary, the sourness of Umeboshi and plum vinegar, which is Yang, can warm and tighten the stomach. Thus, Umeboshi is effective for diarrhea as well as for over sensitivity to cold.

4. Minerals

Minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, etc. are called defense minerals because they help prevent the body from becoming acidic. Ume plum is a fruit that contains an abundance of minerals including these defense minerals. As mentioned above, organic acids become strong acids in the stomach to prevent bacteria from increasing, but before entering the blood, the organic acid becomes alkalized by the defense minerals and purifies the blood. Also, the sodium salinity of Umeboshi strengthens the kidney function. Since traditional natural sea salt is rich in minerals, Umeboshi can be used as an excellent mineral source of which we often lack.

Although Umeboshi has a variety of uses, commercialized Umeboshi with artificial additives do not have the same effects. Therefore, choosing sour Umeboshi made by the traditional, centuries old methods are very important in terms of its 功效.