Plums Match Blueberries in Antioxidant Capabilities
Researchers have found plums, peaches and nectarines to match or surpass blueberries in antioxidants and phytonutrients linked to disease prevention. They say one relatively inexpensive plum contains about the same amount of antioxidants as a handful of more expensive blueberries.
The researchers considered at least five brands of blueberries on the market. Against those numbers, the team considered the content of more than 100 different types of plums, nectarines and peaches.
The first assessment was for antioxidants, molecules that sweep through a body looking for free radicals to knock out. Free radicals are atoms or molecules that lurk where diseases like cancer and heart disease are found.
The researchers then studied the full content of plums and peaches and tested the effect of the compounds they found on breast cancer cells and cholesterol in the laboratory.
They found that the phytonutrients in plums inhibited in vitro breast cancer growth without unfavorably affecting normal cell growth.
Bottom line from the researchers: "We suggest that consumers take seriously the recommendation to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables – or even more – every day and to make sure that plums are part of that," Byrne said.
Plums are also a good choice to add to your daily diet if you are trying to lose that belly fat.
The researchers considered at least five brands of blueberries on the market. Against those numbers, the team considered the content of more than 100 different types of plums, nectarines and peaches.
The first assessment was for antioxidants, molecules that sweep through a body looking for free radicals to knock out. Free radicals are atoms or molecules that lurk where diseases like cancer and heart disease are found.
The researchers then studied the full content of plums and peaches and tested the effect of the compounds they found on breast cancer cells and cholesterol in the laboratory.
They found that the phytonutrients in plums inhibited in vitro breast cancer growth without unfavorably affecting normal cell growth.
Bottom line from the researchers: "We suggest that consumers take seriously the recommendation to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables – or even more – every day and to make sure that plums are part of that," Byrne said.
Plums are also a good choice to add to your daily diet if you are trying to lose that belly fat.