Plums display anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties and can enhance memory, and their consumption shows potential health benefits for cognitive function, bones, and cardiovascular elements.
In this systematic review, the researchers explored the health effects of plums by analyzing articles from numerous databases in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The research spanned across in vitro studies, animal trials, and human clinical trials, and included studies relating to the Prunus species of plums. Their focus was on the potential influence of plums on disease risk factors and health outcomes. The study found 73 relevant peer-reviewed articles for the review, of which 25 were human studies.
The results of the study indicate that plums have antioxidant and anti-allergy properties. Consumption of plums is also related to improved cognitive functionality, better bone health measures, and reduced cardiovascular risk factors. The majority of human trials have used dried plums rather than fresh, which could potentially limit the translation of the findings into practical dietary advice. The evidence, while promising, is not yet extensively documented and requires further support for its claims.
