Best with white rice and pickled plums
Many people of all ages love this combination. Especially in the coming summer, more and more people will probably eat it.
White rice and umeboshi, umeboshi in rice balls, umeboshi in ochazuke (rice with green tea), umeboshi in rice with tea…,
I also love this combination.
I am sure that many people have rice and umeboshi for breakfast without fail.
This time, we conducted a survey on “umeboshi,” which are loved by the Japanese people!
Scientific verification of the truth
In recent years, there has been a lot of talk, mainly on the Internet, about how pickled plums have cured cancer. There are actual stories of people who have been cured of cancer by eating umeboshi, and many people seem to be interested in this topic.
Unfortunately, however, from a medical point of view, there has been little evidence that umeboshi cures cancer.
In this article, we will explain the relationship between umeboshi and cancer based on scientific evidence, and also discuss some cautions when eating umeboshi.
Availability of scientific evidence
Dried plums contain citric acid, plum extract, and shiso oil. These ingredients are expected to have antioxidant, antibacterial, and immunity-enhancing effects.
However, it does not appear that these effects directly cure cancer.
At this time, scientific evidence that ingesting umeboshi cures cancer has not yet been established, unfortunately.
Citric acid: Relieves fatigue and promotes energy metabolism
Citric acid, the source of the sour taste of umeboshi, promotes energy metabolism in the body. It is involved in a metabolic circuit called the citric acid cycle, which promotes the decomposition of lactic acid, a substance that causes fatigue, thereby relieving fatigue.
Citric acid also has an antioxidant effect, and can be expected to prevent damage caused by cell oxidation and inhibit aging.
We have found no clear evidence that it is effective enough to slow the progression of cancer or cure cancer, which is the key factor.
Ume extract: antibacterial and antiviral action and immunity enhancement
Ume extracts contain organic acids such as ume fragrance acid, citric acid, and malic acid, which are the unique aroma components of pickled plums. These organic acids have antibacterial and antiviral effects and are believed to be effective in preventing infectious diseases such as colds and influenza.
In addition, ume extract can be expected to activate immune cells. By enhancing the immune system, it is expected to increase resistance to pathogens and reduce the risk of illness.
We have found no clear evidence that ume extract is also effective in slowing the progression of cancer or curing cancer.
Perilla oil: Anti-inflammatory and blood thinning effects
The shiso oil found in pickled plums is rich in an essential fatty acid called α-linolenic acid. α-linolenic acid has anti-inflammatory and blood thinning effects and is believed to be effective in preventing lifestyle-related diseases.
Shiso oil can also be expected to lower cholesterol levels and improve brain function.
No evidence was found that shiso oil is also clearly effective in slowing the progression of cancer or curing cancer.
So why did pickled plums get so much attention?
It turns out that the story that dried plums cure cancer is a misconception. However, diet plays an important role in cancer treatment.
A well-balanced diet can boost the immune system and enhance the effectiveness of treatment. In addition, active intake of foods with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects can be expected to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
In addition to the above, umeboshi are also rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and vitamins such as B vitamins. Each of these ingredients has various effects on the body and helps maintain good health.
These rumors of its good health maintenance may have led to the spread of false information that it cures cancer.
Possibilities Hidden in Dried Plums
Catechins in dried plums have antioxidant properties and may be effective in preventing cancer by preventing cell damage.
Citric acid in umeboshi may inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis (cell death).
Triterpenoids contained in dried plums have anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating effects and may inhibit the development and progression of cancer.
We also looked into the results of experiments in this area, but they did not support the effects because they were not conducted on humans.
The above research results are only in vitro experiments and do not guarantee the effectiveness in humans.