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Black Plums may reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol

Adding this fruit to your diet may be beneficial along with other healthy habits.

By Cheryl E PrestonPublished 6 months ago 3 min read

Black plums may benefit your diet

I grew up in an area where apple, pear, cherry, and black plum trees were plentiful. Although they thrive best in the conditions in California, the trees grew in the backyard of one of my older cousins in Blue Ridge, in Botetourt County, Virginia.

Unfortunately, I was the only child in the neighborhood who did not eat fruit straight from trees. I am trying now in my senior years to make up for it by adding healthy fruits to my diet.

We all should realize by now that there is no one super food cure-all. We also know that diets rich in fruits and vegetables are beneficial for many reasons. Living a healthy lifestyle, exercising, and making wise choices will allow the right foods to do their job. If you enjoy learning about how what you eat can be medicine, then read on about the black plum.

Black plums to the rescue for heart health

I was blessed today to be given a bag of fruit, which included black plums, which I immediately added to my smoothie. The taste was extra sweet but when I read how healthy plums are I was able to finish my drink. There are multiple benefits from incorporating this food into your diet (in moderation).

One of the most important is the ability to reduce the risk of heart disease. I have been alamred at the number of peopel I know who passed away due to diabetes, heart attacks, or chronic heart disease. I had family members who were unable to sustain a healthy diet long-term and succumbed to heart-related health issues.

These plums are high in potassium, which supports healthy blood pressure numbers, while the antioxidants and fiber can assist with healthy LDL cholesterol levels. This is great news for those looking for natural preventative measures or cures.

By Shahab Vejdanian on Unsplash

Low in calories and antioxidant-rich

Anthocyanins are the pigments that give black plums their dark hue and also have powerful antioxidants that assist in fighting inflammation and oxidative stress. Both have been linked to chronic illnesses like heart disease and cancer.

Benefits for bone and skin health

Some studies have revealed that prunes, which are dried plums, may improve bone density and reduce bone loss. This is especially true when it comes to post menopausal women.

Antioxidants and vitamin C in plums protect and rejuvenate skin, reducing signs of aging and improving skin tone. Adding these prunes to your diet, in a facial mask, or other skin care products might assist you with looking healthier.

Blood sugar and digestive health

Black plums offer a low glycemic index even though they taste very sweet. They also contain compounds that may assist in reducing blood sugar spikes. The fiber content also slows sugar absorption, which may improve glucose control. This contradicts what some diabetics have told me which is their physicians warned against eating too many fruits.

These plums is rich in fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements and promotes gut health. Prunes, which are dried black plums, have a reputation for relieving constipation. Keep this in mind and monitor your consumption so you don't get diarrhea.

Because they are low in calories and high in fiber and water content, black plums can help you feel full longer, decreasing your appetite, leading to less calorie consumption.

This article is not to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness and offers no assurances. If you decide to add black prunes to your diet, do not stop taking any medications without the consent of your medical professional. Always talk to your health care provider first.

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About the Creator

Cheryl E Preston

Cheryl enjoys writing about current events, soap spoilers and baby boomer nostalgia. Tips are greatly appreciated.

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  • Sandy Gillman6 months ago

    I already thought black plumbs were delicious, now's there's even more reasons to eat them. Thanks for sharing!

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