They are packed with an immense range of phenols and flavonoids, which offer an impressive range of health benefits.
Antioxidant Properties
These fruits contain vitamin C and phytonutrients such as lutein, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, neochlorogenic, and chlorogenic acid. These components possess effective antioxidant qualities which help in preventing the damage caused by oxygen radicals called superoxide anion radicals. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, by researchers in France, concluded that the phenols present in plums also extend their protective effect on the essential fats in the neurons and cell membranes against any injuries caused by oxidative stress.
Reduce Obesity
Plum extracts are valuable for reducing obesity and other complications associated with obesity. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Obesity & Therapeutics has 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 them exert anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects on the cells, including the fat cells. Moreover, they also help in preventing obesity-related problems such as cholesterol disorders, diabetes, and
Control Diabetes
Plums exert anti-hyperglycemic effects and help in combating diabetes. A study published in the journal Biomedical Research in 2005 has shown that consumption of plum extracts aids in reducing blood sugar and triglyceride levels in the body. The flavonoids present in plums exert protective effects against insulin resistance and help to enhance insulin sensitivity in the body.
Prevent Osteoporosis
Consumption of dried plums exerts anabolic and anti-resorptive actions, which aid in maintaining healthy bones. Flavonoids such as caffeic acid and rutin present in them help in inhibiting the deterioration of bone tissues and prevent diseases such as osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Polyphenols, along with the potassium content present in dried plums, encourage the formation of bones, improve bone density, and prevent bone loss caused by ovarian hormone deficiency. Dr. Bernard P Halloran conducted a research study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, which demonstrated that regular consumption of dried plums helps in the restoration of bone density that has already been lost due to aging.
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Aid in Digestion
They are a good source of dietary fiber, along with the components sorbitol and isatin, which help in regulating the digestive system. According to a research study conducted by Dr. Attaluri A, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, USA, published in the Ailmentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics Journal, dried plums or prunes are more effective in treating digestive disorders such as constipation as compared to other remedies such as psyllium husk. Sorbitol and isatin have a laxative effect and encourage the secretion of fluids in the bowels and promote the efficient flushing of waste through the colon.
Improve Cognition
Studies have shown that the flavonoids present in the juice made from plums are effective in providing protection against age-related cognitive impairment. The beneficial phytonutrients present in plums help in reducing inflammation in the neurological areas to improve learning and memory functions. Regular consumption of plums also helps in preventing age-related neurodegenerative disorders.
Maintain Healthy Nervous System
Plums contain vitamin B6, which helps in the transmission of nerve signals and aids in the smooth functioning of the nervous system. They also help in the normal growth of the brain and assist in the formation of mood influencing hormones. Tryptophan, an amino acid present in them, helps in the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which plays an important role in improving sleep, appetite, and concentration.
Protect Heart Health
Researchers from the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, USA, has 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 atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.
Boost Immunity
Plums are beneficial in strengthening the immune defense of the body due to the presence of high vitamin C content. This vitamin promotes the body’s resistance to infections and inflammations. Research has shown that oriental plums have immunostimulatory constituents that encourage the production of nitric oxide in the body, impede the metastasis of tumor cells, and are valuable in preventing various diseases.
Regulate Cholesterol Levels
Dried plums or prunes help in preventing hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia. A comparative study by the researchers at the Department of Nutrition, University of California, USA, has proven the efficacy of prunes over grape-juice in maintaining healthy levels of plasma and liver cholesterol. The fiber content present in them also adds to the protective effect of the heart by reducing LDL or bad cholesterol and helping to elevate the levels of HDL or good cholesterol.
