Plums are a delicious and nutritious fruit that have been around for thousands of years. They are known for their sweet and tangy taste, and their unique ability to fight inflammation in the body. In this article, we will explore the anti-inflammatory benefits of plums, their impact on bone health, their nutritional values, as well as the immune system and food combining benefits of this superfruit.
Plums and Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to a wide range of health problems. Chronic inflammation has been linked to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis, among others. Plums contain high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to reduce inflammation in the body. These compounds include anthocyanins, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin. In fact, plums are one of the highest antioxidant-containing fruits, making them an excellent addition to an anti-inflammatory diet.
Plums and Bone Health
Plums are not only good for fighting inflammation, but they also have positive effects on bone health. Plums are a rich source of vitamin K, which is crucial for maintaining healthy bones. Vitamin K helps to activate proteins in the body that are involved in bone mineralization. Furthermore, research has shown that plums can help to prevent bone loss and maintain bone density. One study found that women who consumed at least 3 servings of dried plums per day had a significant increase in bone density after just 6 months.
Nutritional Values of Plums
Plums are a low-calorie fruit that are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. One medium-sized plum contains the following:
- Calories: 30
- Carbohydrates: 8 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 1 gram
- Vitamin C: 10% of the Daily Value
- Vitamin K: 5% of the Daily Value
- Potassium: 3% of the Daily Value
Plums and the Immune System
In addition to fighting inflammation and supporting bone health, plums also have positive effects on the immune system. Plums contain high levels of vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system and fight infections. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, which helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Food Combining with Plums
It is important to note that not all foods are created equal when it comes to their impact on inflammation in the body. In order to get the most out of the anti-inflammatory benefits of plums, it is important to pair them with other anti-inflammatory foods. Some examples of foods that pair well with plums include leafy greens, berries, nuts, and avocado. Additionally, plums can be added to smoothies to create a delicious and nutritious drink that is packed with anti-inflammatory benefits.
Adding Plums to Your Diet
Plums are an easy fruit to add to your diet. They can be eaten on their own as a healthy snack, or used in a variety of recipes. Plums can be added to salads, smoothies, or used as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal. When choosing plums, look for ones that are firm to the touch and have a deep, rich color. They can be stored at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Conclusion
In conclusion, plums are an excellent addition to an anti-inflammatory diet. They are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, they have positive effects on bone health and the immune system. With their sweet and tangy taste, plums are a delicious and nutritious way to support overall health and wellness.
If you love anti-inflammatory fruits check out the rest of our fruits section here, or pop over to our anti-inflammatory herbs section where you can find powerful goodness to add to any autoimmune smoothie.
Thank you for reading! We hope you found this article informative and helpful, and that you will consider adding plums to your diet to reap their many benefits. Please come back again soon for more information on health and wellness.