Plums come in variety of colours, from the more common red and purple varieties to yellow and white.  The fruits are well known for their health-giving phenolic compounds – neochlorogenic and  chlorogenic  acids – which are particularly effective in neutralizing free radicals. They seem to be especially beneficial in their antioxidant action on the fatty tissues in the brain and help prevent damage to fat circulating in the blood. The red and purple varieties are also rich in anthocyanins, the pigments that help to prevent heart disease and cancers.

Plums are low in glycaemic index, which make them useful for  dieters and diabetics. They are also a good source of carotene for cancer protection and eye health.

Plums provide an easily absorbed iron for  healthy blood and body maintenance.

An average-sized plum contains

• 30  Kcalories
• 0.5 g protein
• 7.5 g carbohydrate
• 0.9  g fibre
• 6.4 mg vitamin C
• 124 mcg beta-carotene
• 104 mg potassium
• 0.4 mcg iron
• 48 mcg Lutein/Seaxanthin