DavidWolfe.comPlums are a close relative to both cherries and peaches, ranging in taste from sweet to tart. The juicy fruit is loaded with antioxidants that give the immune system a natural boost. Plum benefits include the ability to aid in digestion, boost skin health, prevent high blood pressure, fight diabetes, improve cardiovascular health and more.
Plum Benefits
1. Provides the Body with Antioxidants
Plum benefits include the ability to provide the body with a healthy dose of antioxidants. The popular fruit contains Vitamin C and phytonutrients that help fight damage caused by oxidation. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that plums are able to protect the body from oxidative stress, thanks to the natural antioxidants they contain. Plum benefits include healthy skin, a reduced risk of cancer and detoxification support. (1)
2. Aids in Digestion
Plums contain dietary fiber, which helps ensure a healthy digestive system. High-fiber foods can help fight digestive problems, including constipation. Fiber also works to break down carbohydrates in the body, lower bad cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health.
3. Lowers Cholesterol
Plum benefits include the ability to naturally lower cholesterol levels, thanks to the fiber they contain. The fiber helps lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels by interfering with the body’s absorption of cholesterol.
4. Improves Cardiovascular Health
Plums contain powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that can help prevent high cholesterol, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Plum benefits include the ability to provide the body with Vitamin K, which improves heart health by carrying calcium out of the arteries to prevent plaque build up. (2)
5. Supports Cognitive Health
Thanks to the phytonutrients they contain, plum benefits include the ability to reduce inflammation in the brain and support cognitive health. Studies have shown that plums can help prevent age-related neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. (3)
6. Aids in Skin Health
Plum benefits include healthy skin. They contain Vitamin C, which works to reduce wrinkles, hydrate the skin and slow aging. Vitamin C also helps heal wounds and reduce inflammation that causes redness. (4)
7. Boosts the Immune System
The Vitamin C in plums helps naturally boost the immune system. Vitamin C can help prevent the common cold, as well as more serious infections such as pneumonia. Studies have shown that plum benefits include the ability to protect the body from respiratory illnesses by improving immune system response.
8. Helps Fight Diabetes
Plums have a low glycemic index, which means they can benefit a diabetic diet. Plum benefits include the ability to protect the body from insulin resistance, thanks to the flavonoids and soluble fiber they contain. Research suggests that plums can help serve as a natural diabetes remedy by normalizing blood sugar levels.
9. Boosts Bone Health
Plums contain polyphenols and potassium, both of which play a key role in bone health. The body uses potassium to strengthen the bones and reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.