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MoreA plum is a small, round fruit that belongs to the Prunus genus of trees and shrubs. It is a popular fruit that is known for its sweet and juicy flesh, as well as its high vitamin and mineral content. One of the most important pieces of information that many people want to know about plums is how many calories they contain.
A single medium-sized plum contains approximately 30-40 calories. This makes plums an excellent choice for people watching their calorie intake or trying to maintain a healthy weight. When compared to other fruits, plums are relatively low in calories. For example, a medium-sized apple contains approximately 95 calories, while a medium-sized banana contains approximately 105 calories.
In addition to being low in calories, plums are also a good source of dietary fiber. A medium-sized plum contains approximately 1 gram of dietary fiber, which is about 4% of the recommended daily value. Fiber is an important nutrient that helps to regulate digestion, lower cholesterol levels, and control blood sugar.
Plums are also a good source of vitamins and minerals. They are a particularly good source of vitamin C, with a single medium-sized plum providing about 8% of the recommended daily value. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that helps to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Plums are also a good source of vitamin K and vitamin A, as well as smaller amounts of other essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium, iron and Vitamin E.
Plums are also relatively low in sugar content, with a medium-sized plum containing about 7-9 grams of sugar, which is lower than other fruits like apples, which contains around 14 grams of sugar per medium sized fruit. And contain less fructose than some other fruits.
Plums are also low in fat and cholesterol, which makes them a great choice for people trying to maintain a healthy diet. They do not contain any saturated fat or trans fats, which are known to increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems. Instead, plums are a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help to lower bad cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
In addition to being low in calories and fat, plums are also a good source of vitamins and minerals. They are particularly high in vitamin C, which is important for maintaining a healthy immune system and for protecting against cellular damage. Plums also contain small amounts of vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin K, as well as a range of minerals, including potassium, calcium, and iron.
Plums also contain antioxidants that can help to protect the body against the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases. Antioxidants can neutralize these harmful molecules and help to protect the body against their effects.
While plums do not contain a lot of calories, they should still be consumed in moderation. Eating too many plums can contribute to weight gain and other health problems. It is also important to pay attention to the way that plums are prepared, as many popular recipes, such as plum pies, jams, or tarts, add a lot of sugar and fats that can significantly increase the calories and unhealthy.
In summary, plums are a nutritious and low-calorie fruit that can be enjoyed as a healthy snack or added to a variety of dishes. They are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and are relatively low in sugar content. So next time you want a healthy snack to munch on, consider reaching for a plum, you can add them to your breakfast, desserts, salads and smoothies. As a part of balanced diet and regular physical activity, plums can be a delicious and healthy choice.
