The Fruit Linked To Better Heart Health And Slower Brain Ageing

You probably already know that eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables is great for your heart and mind.

And some research suggests that if you want to benefit both at once, eating a humble plum might go a long way. 

Rich in vitamins C, A, and K, they also contain manganese, copper, and magnesium. 

Here’s how they could help your health...

1) Plums might slow brain ageing

In one animal study, plum juice was linked to reduced cognitive ageing – but not plum powder. The research suggested that this might be because plum juice had more antioxidant phenols.

2) Plums may be good for your heart

Plums and other dark purple fruits can benefit our hearts because they contain anthocyanins, which may help to keep the level of fats in our blood healthy and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Additionally, plums are rich in calcium, which helps our blood to clot normally.

3) Plums could help to control blood sugar

They contain chlorogenic acid, which some studies suggest could help to regulate our blood sugar and appetite. It’s also found in olive oil, spices, vegetables, wine, and coffee. 

4) Prunes could help to protect our bones

Prunes, or dried plums, have been linked to better bone health among postmenopausal women at greater risk of hip fractures. Eating 50g a day seemed to be the “sweet spot” of effective and easy to maintain. 

5) Plums could help to reduce inflammation 

Though some inflammation is normal and even healthy, uncontrolled inflammation – sometimes called “inflammaging” – can damage our cells. Because plums contain antioxidants like anti-inflammatory quercetin, they may help to mop up some of these free radicals.

6) Plums might help to reduce some cancer risks 

A systematic review of 54 studies found that consuming plums appeared to reduce the risk of certain cancers, like bowel and breast cancer.

7) Plums can help you poop 

The same sugar in prunes that makes you poop – sorbitol – is also present in the fresh version of the fruit. And their fibre content helps you go, too.