Plums are an incredibly versatile and delicious stone fruit enjoyed for centuries. They are a great snack and an ingredient in many recipes. According to Jonathan Dax Cooke, plums can be more than just a delicious summertime snack.
In addition to their sweet taste and delectable juicy texture, these fruits are surprisingly powerful for our overall health. From enhancing immune function to reducing the risk of certain types of cancer, let’s explore why adding plums to your diet is an important way to promote optimal health.
Health Benefits of Plums By Jonathan Dax Cooke
1. May Help Lower Cholesterol Levels
Studies have shown that eating plums can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels while increasing good cholesterol (HDL) levels in the body. This helps improve your overall heart health by reducing the risk of developing heart disease or stroke.
Furthermore, as per Jonathan Dax Cooke, when added as part of an otherwise balanced diet, plums help provide essential vitamins and minerals that may also aid in lowering cholesterol levels.
2. May Help Prevent Cancer
Plums are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Plums contain compounds such as anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid that have been shown to have anti-cancer properties.
These compounds have been found to induce cell death in breast cancer cells and prevent the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow.
Plums also contain beta-carotene, a type of carotenoid that has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
The phenolic compounds in plums also help inhibit the growth and spread of colon cancer cells.
3. Boosts Immune System
As per Jonathan Dax Cooke, plants are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants that can help support a healthy immune system.
Plums contain high levels of vitamin C, which is known to boost immune function by stimulating the production of white blood cells that help fight off infections.
Plums contain other antioxidants, such as anthocyanins and quercetin, that help to neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, which can help to support immune health. Plums also contain dietary fiber, which can help to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that play a role in immune function.
4. Reduces Blood Pressure
Plums can be a beneficial food for individuals with high blood pressure. Plums are a healthy source of potassium which is known for its blood pressure reducing properties.
Plums are also low in sodium, which is important for individuals with high blood pressure who need to limit their sodium intake.
Incorporating plums into a balanced diet and other blood pressure-lowering foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can effectively manage high blood pressure.
Jonathan Dax Cooke Suggests Taking Plums in Moderation
Plums can be a great addition to any diet; however, it’s important to remember to take them in moderation.
According to Jonathan Dax Cooke, eating too much of one food group or another isn’t healthy for anyone, so eat the right amount of fruits like plums in combination with other foods. Your body will thank you for it!