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Prunes & Plums: Are They Good for You?

For the past couple of centuries, “plum” has meant, in addition to a fruit in the prunus family, “very good and worth having” or “the best and choicest part” (as in, a plum position). So here’s my question — if being plum or plummy (as the British say) is so darn good, then why are plums less popular than so many other kinds of fruit? Is it the fact that dried plums are called prunes, and many people associate prune juice with underactive bowels? Whatever the reason, in this article, I’m going to try to redress this historical imbalance. I’ll do my best to convince you that plums are just as desirable as plum jobs, and at least as good for you. We’ll look at some potential downsides to plum consumption.…

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Articles of Interest

A Systematic Review on the Health Effects of Plums (Prunus domestica and Prunus salicina)

In recent times, plums have been described as foods with health-promoting properties. Research on the health effects of plum continue to show promising results on its antiinflammatory, antioxidant and memory-improving characteristics. The increased interest in plum research has been attributed to its high phenolic content, mostly the anthocyanins, which are known to be natural antioxidants. Most of the human trials used the dried version of plums rather than fresh fruit, thus limiting translation to dietary messages of the positioning of plums in a healthy diet.

Everything You Need to Know About Plums

Fun fact: Prunes, a popular dried fruit snack, are actually dried plums. They’re known for their digestive benefits and are derived from specific plum varieties that have higher sugar content. Prunes are higher in calories, fiber, and carbs than fresh plums.

Health Benefits of Plums

Plums are also a source of polyphenols, which may help regulate cholesterol levels and support healthy blood sugar levels. As a concentrated source of fiber, dried plums can help relieve constipation. The carotenoids in plums, namely lutein and zeaxanthin, may contribute to brain health.

Meet the Kakadu plum: an international superfood thousands of years in the making

The rise of the Kakadu plum to international fame as a “superfood” may appear to have come about almost overnight. But this story has been a long time in the making. Aboriginal people have valued this plant for thousands of years for its food and medicinal properties. The health benefits of the fruit were certainly recognised, but more specifically, the red inner bark was used to treat skin conditions and sores.

Plum vs. Prune: Which Is Better?

When choosing between plums and prunes, the decision often comes down to personal preference and dietary needs. Plums are ideal for those seeking a refreshing, low-calorie snack, while prunes can be a more convenient option for individuals looking to boost their fiber intake or add natural sweetness to recipes. Ultimately, both plums and prunes can be valuable components of a balanced diet, offering unique nutritional benefits to support overall health and well-being.

Prunes: why the dried plum is making a comeback

The word prune's connotations are so negative that the world's biggest supplier no longer even uses it. The California Prune Board rebranded its beloved snack as "dried plums" 13 years ago, becoming the California Dried Plum Board in the process. As they put it: "Why the name change? Because 90% of consumers told us that they'd be more likely to enjoy the fruit if it were called a dried plum instead of a prune."

The Benefits of Plums: A Juicy Boost to Your Health & The Perfect Hiking Snack

When it comes to nutritious and delicious fruits, plums often don't get the attention they deserve. These small, juicy powerhouses are packed with nutrients and offer a plethora of health benefits. Whether you enjoy them fresh, dried (as prunes), or in various culinary dishes, plums are a fantastic addition to any diet.

This underrated fruit is packed with health benefits: dietitians

Don’t bite your thumb at a plum. Plums, long lauded for their laxative properties, often play second fiddle to sexier summer fruits like cherries, berries, and peaches — but dieticians say you shouldn’t be sleeping on this superfood.

Yes, plums are good for you. But should you eat them every day?

If you ask a group of friends what their favorite fruit is, chances are their responses will reflect the ones most frequently sold in grocery stores. According to the International Fresh Produce Association, the 20 most commonly purchased fruits in the U.S. include bananas, strawberries, apples, grapes, watermelon, cherries and oranges. Plums are another fruit that make the list — though they come in ninth place and are lumped in with other fruits that belong to the same plant family, namely peaches and nectarines.

Resources

5 benefits of plums, from relieving constipation to regulating blood sugar

Plums and their dried counterpart, prunes, offer a long list of health benefits, including boosting heart, brain, and bone health.