9 Health Benefits of Eating Plums
Plums originally originated in the continent of Asia. They are the member of the plant Genus Prunus, which also consists of apricots, cherries, and almonds. One can’t go wrong in adding plums in their diet. Plums have the qualities of being low in calories and they also enable you to meet your daily dose of vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber needs. Some other amazing benefits of plums are :
One medium-sized fresh plum contains 104 mg of potassium, a mineral that helps manage high blood pressure and reduce stroke risk. (Here are some other foods that help lower high blood pressure.) If that isn’t heartwarming enough, the reddish-blue pigment in some plums, called anthocyanins, may protect against cancer by mopping up harmful free radicals.
Dried plums, a.k.a. prunes, are a tried-and-true way to help your bowel do its work (each prune contains one gram of fibre). Eat them as is, or make a batch of softened prunes to keep in the fridge to have in trail mix. Tip: soak a few handfuls of prunes in freshly boiled water, cool and store in a covered jar in the fridge.
Researchers from Florida State and Oklahoma State universities tested two groups of postmenopausal women over the span of 12 months for bone density. One group ate 100 grams of prunes per day (about 10 prunes); the other ate 100 grams of dried apples. Both groups took calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Did you know that eating three to four antioxidant-rich prunes a day can help neutralize cell-damaging free radicals that affect your memory? Now that’s sharp snacking!
Next, try these expert-recommended memory strategies to strengthen your brain.
Plums are packed with plant compounds which have antioxidant properties, this means they help prevent oxygen from reacting with other chemicals and causing damage to cells and tissues. They are especially rich in anthocyanins, the compounds also responsible for the plum’s dark coloured skin. In fact, studies suggest plums are richer in these protective compounds than other fruits including peaches and nectarines.
6. May have anti-inflammatory properties
The protective plant compounds in plums appear to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help prevent disease including cancer, diabetes and obesity.
7. May help manage blood sugar levels
Plums are especially rich in a polyphenol called chlorogenic acid, a compound also found in coffee, this appears to help balance blood sugar and regulate appetite.
Consuming the whole fruit ensures you benefit from its rich fibre content, which helps slow the release of its natural sugars.
Plums are rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, which ensures blood clots normally. They also supply potassium and vitamin C as well as being rich in protective polyphenols all of which are associated with reduced cardiovascular risk factors.
9. May enhance cognitive function
Animal studies suggest that the rich polyphenol content of plums may help mitigate age-related cognitive decline.
Are plums safe for everyone?
Some people are allergic to plums. They fall into the ‘birch pollen’ category of allergens, along with apples and peaches, and they may cause itching and swelling of the mouth or throat in those affected.
