Fruits are one of the key elements in a healthy diet that promote overall wellness when included in a daily routine. They offer numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, improving digestion, and providing essential vitamins and minerals. They are a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, all of which contribute to overall well-being.
Several fruits offer significant health benefits, with blueberries, raspberries, and apples being particularly noteworthy. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which have been linked to reduced risks of heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline. Raspberries are a good source of fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants. Meanwhile, apples are high in fiber and contain protective polyphenols, which may reduce the risk of certain cancers and type 2 diabetes.
But did you know, eating plums on an empty stomach has the potential to fight a deadly disease like cancer?
Read on to know more.
Plum and its benefits:
Both fresh and dried plums contain fiber and antioxidants. They may help reduce constipation and benefit your overall health. Plums' anti-cancer effects are associated with their antioxidant capacity; the antioxidants can either directly affect the cancer cell or it can synergistically help anticancer drug treatment.
What does the study say?
Plums are increasingly popular as a highly cultivated stone fruit, valued for their numerous health benefits. There are primarily two main types of plums found in commercial markets: the European plum, scientifically known as Prunus domestica, and the Japanese plum, or Prunus salicina. Each of these types has various distinct varieties, contributing to their broad appeal.
Recent
research efforts focus on the pharmacological effects of plums, particularly their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are becoming more recognized in scientific literature. A systematic review is needed to comprehensively analyze the existing research on plums and their potential role in the prevention and treatment of cancer. This review marks the first in-depth exploration of how plums may be related to cancer outcomes.
Out of a total of 6,639 studies initially screened, only 54 studies met the necessary inclusion criteria for deeper analysis. Upon reviewing these selected studies in full, it was revealed that plum extracts contain a rich concentration of antioxidants. Notably, most of these qualifying studies were conducted in vitro, meaning they were carried out in laboratory settings. There were only a limited number of clinical studies that involved in vivo work—testing on live organisms, including humans.
Due to this gap in research, there is an urgent need for more extensive studies conducted on animals and humans. Such studies would help determine if the promising results observed in laboratory settings can be applied more broadly in real-life scenarios. Overall, further clinical and in vivo studies are essential to prove plums as a functional food that could aid in the treatment and prevention of cancer.
Other benefits of eating plums:
Plums offer a range of health benefits due to their nutrient-rich composition, including being a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. They can support digestive health, heart health, bone health, and blood sugar regulation.
Here's a more detailed look:
Digestive health: Plums are high in fiber, which promotes bowel regularity and can help relieve constipation. The fiber also supports a healthy gut microbiome.
Heart health: Plums contain potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. They also contain antioxidants that can protect against heart damage.
Bone health: Plums are a good source of vitamin K, which plays a role in bone metabolism and may help reduce bone loss.
Blood sugar regulation: The fiber in plums can help slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, which can be beneficial for managing blood sugar levels.
Antioxidant power: Plums are rich in antioxidants, including anthocyanins and vitamin C, which help protect the body against cell damage caused by free radicals.
Immune system support: The antioxidants and vitamin C in plums can help boost the immune system and protect against infections.
Weight management: Plums are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help promote feelings of fullness and aid in weight management efforts.
Brain health: Some studies suggest that plums may have a positive impact on cognitive function, possibly due to their antioxidant content.
Skin health: Plums contain vitamin C, which is important for collagen production and can contribute to healthy skin.
Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Merry Christmas wishes,
messages and
quotes !
Start a Conversation
Post comment