6 Reasons Plums Should Be Your Favorite Fruit This Fall
In many countries plums are unfairly underrated. The main reason is probably because people don’t know anything about them. Plums are not just beautiful and delicious fruits, but they are incredibly nutritional powerhouses. I have been enjoying plums for a few weeks now and I feel all the health benefits they boast. You already know that each fruit has its own health benefits, but at the same time, each fruit can help you fight a certain disease.
Plums come in a great variety of colors and sizes, and you can munch on them during late summer and early autumn, depending on where you live. Dried plums are good for you too. Read on. I guarantee you that you will be very surprised at what you’ll learn from my little post.
1 Prevent cell damaging
Just like strawberries, raspberries, cherries, rhubarb and purple grapes, plums are a rich source of powerful antioxidants, anthocyanins, that protect your cells from damaging, preventing serious diseases including cancer. When you eat a few plums, you may not feel this health benefit, but let anthocyanins do their job and help you live a longer life.
2 Boost your heart health
This health benefit of plums I learned from my doctor. I have some heart problems so I’m always on the lookout for the heart-healthy fruit and vegetables. When plums are in season, I eat them daily to boost my heart health. Plums are high in potassium (one fresh plum contains around 113 mg) that helps to control high blood pressure and relieve or prevent heart disease and stroke.
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3 Reduce your cancer risk
Each vegetable and fruit help us prevent different types of cancers. Thanks to their high antioxidant content, plums help to protect against lung cancer and oral cavity cancer. Even though there are no magic pills that fight or prevent cancer, you can eat your way to a healthier you. Incorporate a few plums into your daily diet to reap all their cancer-fighting benefits.
4 Keep your eyes healthy
While nibbling on carrots every other day is an effective way to improve your eye health, your teeth may start moaning about it. Plums are soft, tasty and healthy fruits that are fortified with Vitamin A – one of the most important vitamins for healthy eyes and good vision. Plums also contain zeaxanthin that protects your retina from harmful UV light.
5 Control your blood sugar
Plums are a low-glycemic index fruit that helps to control blood sugar and prevent diabetes. However, make sure you eat them in moderation, especially if you have blood sugar problems or watch your calorie intake. Both dried and fresh plums do contain carbohydrates and sugar.
6 Prevent constipation
Both dried and fresh plums help to prevent and relieve constipation due to its fibre content. Add some dried plums to your yogurt, granola or oatmeal, or eat them fresh to keep your bowels regular. However, if you have chronic constipation, don’t rely on plums only – see your doctor as soon as possible.
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In truth, if I could, I’d buy truck-loads of plums. Frozen plums are healthy too, but I don’t have enough space in my freezer, so I make sure I eat enough of them during the early fall season. Load up your eating plan with antioxidant-rich fruits like plums and you’ll be sure to be healthy and loo wealthy all year round! Plums are good for your skin, metabolism, and bones. Eating plums regularly can also help prevent wrinkles and premature aging.
There are many different ways to use plums in your diet. From smoothies to pies, it’s up to you how to consume them. In many countries, people make plum jams to keep the immune system healthy during the winter season. Give it a try too. Don’t leave plums on the shelf next time you go grocery shopping. What other facts about plums do you know?