Plum is a purplish red color juicy fruit.
It is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, Vitamin B2, potassium and dietary fiber.
The fruit has over 2000 varieties.
All these are categorized into six types: Japanese, Ornamental, Damson, American, European and wild.
Generally the fruit is round in shape but it can be oval also.
The plums are of various colors also like blue-black, red, green, purple, yellow or amber.
The flesh can be of green, pink, orange or yellow in color.
Plum is a juicy and sweet fruit.
The plant belongs to the genus Prunus and is similar to nectarine, peach and almonds.
The dried plums are known as prunes.
The scientific name of the plant is Prunus domestica.
The fruits contain two phytonutrients classified as phenols.
They are nechlorogenic acid and chlorogenic acid and they are well known for their anti-oxidant properties.
These phytonutrients neutralize the free radicals produced during metabolism.
They also prevent oxidation of fats, cholesterols and triglycerides which are circulating in the blood.
Thus they are helpful in protection against diabetic heart disease and artherosclerosis by preventing plaques formation on the interior walls of the arteries.
The anti oxidants are also helpful in preventing conditions like colon cancer, asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
They are also helpful in people having increased risk of these conditions.
The fruit contains large amounts of vitamin C and may be because of this it helps in absorption of iron and make it available.
Vitamin C improves immune system and good for people having frequent ear infections.
Plum can reduce the risk of age related macular degeneration.