Lower The Blood Sugar Levels
You might find this hard to believe, but plums and prunes help lower blood sugar levels despite being rich in carbs and sugars. They’ve got a very low glycemic index. It means that they won’t cause your blood sugar levels to shoot up after you consume them. Not only do they have a low glycemic index, but the high fiber content slows down the rate at which the body absorbs carbs. As a result, your blood sugar levels rise slowly.
According to research (Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16295695/), your body produces more of the hormone adiponectin, which is a key player in blood sugar regulation.
Rich In Antioxidants
Another notable benefit of plums and prunes is that they protect the cells of your body from oxidative damage and reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases. Plums and prunes are loaded with antioxidants that combat the free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to the cells. They’re specifically rich in polyphenol antioxidants that are good for the bones and known to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Promote A Healthy Heart
Plums and prunes may have a special place in your heart, but did you know they’re extremely beneficial for your heart health too? Your heart loves them as much as you! As you know by now, plums and prunes are high in potassium, fiber, and antioxidants; they pose several benefits for the heart. Consuming 6 to 8 prunes every day or drinking prune juice once every day for about two months can lower cholesterol and blood pressure (Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21409897/).
Improve Bone Health
Prunes are a rich source of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin K. These nutrients are closely linked to bone health. Moreover, consuming prunes is also known to boost the release of some hormones involved in forming new bone cells.
Boost Memory
The best way to ensure a healthy brain is to consume foods that are good for brain health. Talking about such foods, the list can’t be complete without the mention of plums. Plums can have a positive impact on your memory. Regular consumption of plums would mean lesser chances of forgetting things (that’s cool, isn’t it?). A study found that consumption of plums for 5 months boosted the brain’s functioning efficiency and relieved certain symptoms of brain conditions that resulted from neurodegeneration.
Improves Vision
Prunes are rich in vitamin A, which is extremely beneficial for your vision. Consuming prunes regularly can improve your vision significantly. Moreover, people who make prunes a part of their everyday diet are less likely to suffer from dry eyes, night blindness, cataract, and macular degeneration.
The plums and prunes that you love so much aren’t just delicious fruits but some of the healthiest ones too. They’re loaded with essential nutrients that ensure that you’re fit and healthy inside out. However, too much of anything isn’t good for you, so don’t go overboard with too many plums – you don’t want to end up getting diarrhea!