Adding dried plums to diet can improve nutrient consumption in overweight adults

In this study, researchers from San Diego State University looked at whether snacking on dried plums can reduce, even prevent, risk factors for chronic disease in relation to refined carbohydrate snacks. Their findings were published in the journal Nutrition Research.

• Studies have shown that including carbohydrate- or fructose-rich foods, in particular, fruits, in a person’s diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• The team posited that dried plums can boost nutrient consumption and total antioxidant capacity, as well as improve lipid and adipokine profiles.
• In addition, dried plums can potentially reduce adiposity and inflammation.
• For the eight-week trial, the team fed overweight adults with 100 kcal servings of either low-fat muffins or dried plums.
• Researchers measured body weight and composition, waist circumference, blood pressure, plasma glucose, insulin, c-peptide, total antioxidant capacity, lipids, adipokines and inflammation at baseline and throughout the study.
• They also assessed postprandial glucose and insulin levels after consuming the test foods at baseline and after eight weeks.
• To examine group and time differences, researchers used repeated ANOVA measures, as well as post-hoc independent and paired samples t-tests when necessary.
• The findings revealed an overall increase in dietary fiber and potassium levels for those who consumed dried plums. Additionally, participants who ate dried plums had lower postprandial glycemia at baseline.

In sum, dried plums can reduce postprandial insulinemia and improve nutrient consumption, both of which can significantly reduce chronic disease risk.

Journal Reference:

Clayton ZS, Fusco E, Schreiber L, Carpenter JN, Hooshmand S, Hong MY, Kern M. SNACK SELECTION INFLUENCES GLUCOSE METABOLISM, ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY AND CHOLESTEROL IN HEALTHY OVERWEIGHT ADULTS: A RANDOMIZED PARALLEL ARM TRIAL. Nutrition Research. 2 February 2019;65:89–98. DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2019.03.002