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Today we have a guest post from nutrition expert Dr. Jonny Bowden.
By Jonny Bowden
With all the hoopla over drinks made with “superfoods” like acai, goji, and noni, we forget that some of the best superfoods on the planet are right under our noses. Better yet, they don’t cost an arm and a leg (like some of those overpriced juices).
The latest superfood to emerge is – get ready for this – plums.
Food scientist Dr. Luis Cisneros and plant breeder David Byrne judged more than 100 varieties of plums, peaches, and nectarines, and found that their antioxidant and phytonutrient content matched (or even exceeded) that of highly rated blueberries. According to Byrne, one inexpensive plum contains about the same amount of antioxidants as a handful of blueberries.
“People tend to eat just a few blueberries at a time – a few on their cereal or as an ingredient mixed with lots of sugar,” Cisneros said. “But people will eat a whole plum at once and get the full benefit.”
The researchers didn’t stop after measuring the considerable antioxidant content of plums – which, by the way, has been noted in other studies. (Plums consistently score near the top of the list of high-antioxidant foods.) They also tested the effect of the phytonutrients in the fruit on breast cancer cells – and found that they inhibited in vitro (test tube) breast cancer growth without adversely affecting normal cell growth.
“We suggest that consumers take seriously the recommendation to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables – or even more – every day,” Byrne said, “and to make sure that plums are part of that.”
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About the Author
Dave Soucy is a coach, trainer, motivator, husband, dad, and former fat guy. His goal is to teach as many people as possible how to achieve a life of health, fitness, and wellness through simply eating right and exercising. Click here to learn more about Dave.
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