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By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern

What is filling your fruit bowl? For most people, it’s typically the standard fruits, like apples, bananas, pears, and maybe some little clementine oranges. But how often are plums featured on your countertop? These cute little purply-blue fruits are delicious both fresh and dried, and to make them even better, are chock full of health benefits! Let’s take a look at why you should incorporate them into your fruit bowl!

According to registered dietician Gaby Vaca-Flores, plums are full of essential vitamins, including vitamin C and vitamin E, are low in sugar, and thanks to their beautiful color, are a great source of anthocyanins. They are also a great source of fiber. Thanks to all of the vitamins, anthocyanins, and fiber that plums contain, they can aid your health in the following ways:

Keeping you regular

The fiber that plums contain makes them great for keeping you regular, Vaca-Flores also notes that plums are made of approximately 80 percent water, which also helps to keep everything flowing.

Keeping your blood sugar in check

Because they are low in sugar, you can eat plums without experiencing any major spike in blood sugar levels. In addition to not spiking blood sugar, Vaca-Flores says, “Plums also deliver a hormone called adiponectin, which can help with blood sugar balance.”

Keeping your heart healthy

Due to all the anthocyanins, consuming plums can also help to protect your heart health. Eating these anthocyanins, which are also antioxidants, can help to lower your risk of cardiovascular diseases!

With that being said, get some plums and try adding some diversity to your fruit bowl and your diet! Not only are they great for your health, but they are delicious too!

For more health-related articles, take a look at the Fill Your Plate blog!