If you're looking for a low-calorie and nutritious fruit to add to your diet, you should consider plums. A single 2-1/8" diameter plum only has 30 calories, but it provides a variety of health benefits.

Plums are a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and copper. They also have beneficial antioxidants and dietary fiber. With all these nutrients, plums can help you maintain a healthy diet and support your overall health.

In this article, we'll explore some of the ways that plums can positively impact your health, and give you some ideas for how to incorporate them into your meals and snacks.

Plums Offer Multiple Health Benefits

Plums contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that can help support your health. They are low in calories but high in fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer periods of time. Additionally, they are a good source of antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and oxidative stress in your body. Studies have also linked plums to several potential health benefits. For example, some research has suggested that plums may reduce inflammation in your body, which can lower your risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease and Alzheimer's disease. Other studies have suggested that plums may help regulate blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for people with diabetes. Overall, plums are a great fruit to add to your diet if you want to improve your health and reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases.

Plums are Low-Calorie and Nutritious

A single 2-1/8" diameter plum only has 30 calories, but it provides a variety of important nutrients that your body needs. Plums are a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as other important minerals like potassium and copper. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, which can help support your digestive health and keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods of time. In addition to these nutrients, plums are also high in antioxidants like phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in your body. This can help lower your risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Overall, plums are a great way to add important nutrients to your diet without adding a lot of calories.

Plums Can Help Improve Vision

Plums are a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for healthy eyesight. Vitamin A helps to maintain the health of your cornea and can also help prevent age-related degeneration of your eyes. In addition, plums are also high in antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help protect your eyes from damage caused by free radicals. Research has shown that people who eat more fruits and vegetables that are high in these important nutrients have a lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in older adults. By including plums in your diet, you can help support your eye health and reduce your risk of developing vision problems as you age.

Plums Contain Antioxidants

Antioxidants are important compounds that can help protect your body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. These free radicals can damage your cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Plums are a good source of important antioxidants like phenolic compounds, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in your body. This can help lower your risk of developing chronic diseases and support your overall health. By including plums in your diet, you can help provide your body with the important antioxidants it needs to stay healthy and fight off disease.

Plums May Reduce Risk of Cancer

Plums are high in antioxidants and other important nutrients that can help reduce your risk of developing cancer. Some studies have suggested that plums may be particularly effective at reducing the risk of breast and lung cancer. For example, one study found that eating plums and other stone fruits was associated with a lower risk of developing breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Another study found that an extract from plums was effective at killing cancer cells in the liver and colon. While more research is needed to fully understand the anti-cancer properties of plums, these preliminary findings are promising.

Plums Can Aid Digestion

Plums are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help support your digestive health and promote regularity. Fiber helps to move food through your digestive system and can also help prevent constipation and other digestive issues. In addition, plums contain sorbitol, which is a natural sugar alcohol that can help loosen your stools and ease constipation. Sorbitol is not absorbed well by your body, which means it can help draw water into your intestines and soften your stools. Overall, plums are a great fruit to add to your diet if you want to support your digestive health and promote regularity.

Plums Can Help Regulate Blood Sugar

Plums are a low-glycemic-index fruit, which means they are less likely to cause spikes in your blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for people with diabetes or other blood sugar-related issues. In addition, plums contain several important nutrients that can help regulate your blood sugar levels. For example, they are a good source of fiber, which can slow the absorption of sugar in your bloodstream. They also contain certain types of polyphenols and other compounds that can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation in your body. Overall, plums are a great fruit to add to your diet if you are looking for ways to regulate your blood sugar levels and improve your overall health.

Plums Are Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

Plums are a good source of several important vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly. For example, they are a great source of vitamin C, which is important for immune system function and the health of your skin and connective tissues. They are also a good source of vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health. Additionally, plums are high in minerals like potassium and copper, which can help support your heart health and other important bodily functions. With all these important nutrients, plums are a great fruit to add to your diet if you want to improve your overall health and get the vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy.

Plums Are Versatile in Cooking

Plums are a great addition to recipes for both sweet and savory dishes. They can be used in everything from salads to desserts, and can be grilled, roasted, or sautéed to bring out their natural sweetness and flavor. Some popular recipe ideas for plums include plum tarts, plum chutneys, plum sauces, and plum jams. They can also be sliced and added to salads or roasted to serve alongside meats or other vegetables. With their versatility, plums are a great ingredient to experiment with in the kitchen. Overall, plums are a great fruit to add to your cooking repertoire if you are looking for something new and exciting to try.

Plums Can Be Enjoyed Fresh or Dried

Fresh plums are a delicious and healthy snack on their own or added to other dishes. They can be eaten raw or grilled, and make a great addition to salads or smoothies. Dried plums, also known as prunes, are a popular option for snacking or using in baking. They are high in fiber and other important nutrients, and can help support your digestive health and regularity. Overall, plums are a great fruit to add to your diet in any form, whether fresh or dried. With their delicious flavor and numerous health benefits, they are sure to be a hit in your kitchen.