Health Benefits of Pluots: The Hybrid Fruit You Need in Your Life
Pluots are a hybrid between different Prunus species. They are also called interspecific plums. They were first “created” by Floyd Zaiger, who spent years experimenting with the two fruits before finally settling on this hybrid. The very first pluot was sold in 1989. Pluots have the sweet flavor and texture of a plum, but their exterior has the fuzzy, soft feeling of an apricot.
Constipation Buster
Adding more fiber to your diet is easy with pluots. Each pluot has 3 grams of dietary fiber. Fiber helps to prevent constipation. Fiber makes your bowel movements more regular and the fiber helps to stimulate gastric and digestive juices that help the body absorb nutrients easier.
Heart Healthy
The pluot is high in potassium and very low in sodium. This combination can help to lower blood pressure. Adding in the high fiber content which lowers bad cholesterol, the pluot is a heart healthy powerhouse. This dietary fiber can also improve the performance of insulin in the body which helps with the lowering of blood pressure.
Antioxidant Rich
Pluots contain both vitamin A and vitamin C which are two powerful antioxidants. Vitamin A will break down into beta-carotene which is needed to boost vision, prevent macular degeneration, protect the skin from aging and reduce the chances of some cancers. Vitamin C helps to neutralize free radicals in the body. These free radicals are dangerous by-products of cellular metabolism.
Keeps you Hydrated
In recent years, doctors have stressed the importance of hydration because the human body is composed of more than 70% water. Pluots have a very high water content which can help keep your fluid levels up and help keep serious health problems away as well as metabolic inefficiency.
Immune System Booster
Pluots help the immune system function more efficiently through their vitamin C content. One pluot contains 10 percent of the vitamin C daily requirements. Vitamin C is a potent natural water-soluble antioxidant that helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents.