benefits of plum

Plums rank low on the glycemic index, which means eating them can help you control your blood sugar and reduce the risk oftype 2 diabetes. juicy plums are botanically belonging within the family of Rosaceae. The fruit is a drupe belonging to the genus: Prunus which also includes peaches, nectarine, almonds and damson. Scientific name: Prunus domestica.

Dried plumsa.k.a. prunesare a tried and true way to help your bowel do its work (each prune has one gram offibre). Eat them as is, or make a batch of softened prunes to keep in the fridge to have with granola and yogurt: Soak a few handfuls of prunes in freshly boiled water, cool and store in a covered jar in the fridge.

Eating three to four antioxidant rich prunes a day can help neutralize cell damaging free radicals that affect your memory. Many cultivars of plums are grown all over the world, which differ in their color, size and growing characteristics based upon their country of origin. Generally, each variety of the plum trees bears numerous, almost uniform sized fruits between May and September months.

Plumscontains vitamin C and phytonutrients such as lutein, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid. These components possess effectiveantioxidantqualities which help in preventing the damage caused by oxygen radicals called superoxide anion radicals. The phenols present inplumsalso extend their protective effect on the essential fats in the neurons and cell membranes against any injuries caused by oxidative stress.

Plum extracts are valuable for treating obesity and other complications associated with obesity.Studieshave shown that consumption of stone fruits such as plums helps in fighting metabolic syndrome, due to the presence of bioactive compounds. The flavonoids and phenolic components such as anthocyanins, chlorogenic acids, quercetin, and catechins present in plums exert anti obesity and anti inflammatory effects on the different bodily cells, including the fat cells, and they also help in preventing obesity related problems such as cholesterol disorders, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Consumption of driedplumsexerts anabolic and anti resorptive actions, which aid in maintaining healthy bones. Flavonoids such as caffeic acid and rutin that are both present in plums help in inhibiting the deterioration of bone tissues and prevent diseases such as osteoporosis inpostmenopausalwomen. Polyphenols, along with the potassium content present in dried plums, encourage the formation of bones, enhances bone density and prevents bone loss caused by ovarian hormone deficiency.Researchhas demonstrated that regular consumption of dried plums helps in the restoration of bone density that has already been lost due to aging.

Plum juice are effective in providing protection against age related cognitive impairment. The beneficial phytonutrients present in plums help in reducing the inflammation in the neurological areas to improve learning and memory functions. Regular consumption of plums also helps in preventing age related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons diseases.

Plums containsvitamin B 6,which helps in the transmission of nerve signals and aids in the smooth functioning of the nervous system. Plums also help in the normal growth of the brain and assist in the formation of mood influencing hormones.Tryptophan, an amino acid present in plums, helps in the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which plays an important role in the sleep, appetite and concentration.

The consumption of plums helps to maintain cardiovascular health.Researchhas provided supporting evidence regarding the fact that the regular intake of dried plums helps in promoting fluidity of blood in the arteries. This protective effect aids in the prevention of various cardiac disorders, including the development of atherosclerosis and the reduction in chances for heart attacks and strokes.

Driedplumsor prunes help in preventing hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia. A comparativestudyhas proven the efficacy of prunes over grape juice in maintaining healthy levels of plasma and liver cholesterol. The fiber content present in plums also adds to the protective effect of the heart by reducing LDL cholesterol and helping to elevate the levels of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).