Plums and Weight Loss

Exercise Physiology Brisbane - 28th February 2016

Landline recently aired a program on the antioxidant-rich plum accidentally bred by Queensland Scientists ten years ago.

The Queen Ganet plum being hailed as a potential weapon in the fight against obesity. Scientists gave plum juice to obese rats with the same health problems humans have from being overweight -  high blood pressure, a fatty liver, poor heart function and arthritis. When the plum juice was placed in their food (and nothing else was changed within their diet), they lost weight. Additionally, their blood pressure, fat levels, as well as liver and heart function all returned to normal levels.

The Queen Garnet plum has high levels of anthyocyanin, which is a flavonoid high in antioxidants. One plum a day provides the required daily antioxidant levels. The anthocyanin pigment is found in other purple, red and blue foods (such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries etc). There is increasing evidence that these foods help to reduce inflammation and the structure and function of the gastrointestinal system.

As discussed in previous EPB newsletters, the gut has its own genome and the gut, brain and health connection is extremely significant. Reducing inflammation in the gut and having a balanced level of bacteria is essential for a healthy weight and mind. With this information in mind, it's safe to say that a Queen Garnet plum a day will not go astray!.

The Queen Garnet plum is available from two main sources:
1. The high end grocers if you live in Brisbane or the Gold Coast
2. Woolworths has them throughout the eastern states and they should be available for more than a month.

Nutrafruit, the licensed marketing company, will have powder based products available later in the year (capsules, tablets, powder, etc). Additionally, they finished their first commercial bottling run last week – this is a single strength plum nectar in 250ml bottles. It is suitable to drink straight (about 3 serves per bottle); to mix with water (still or sparkling); or to add to cereals and yoghurt.

For further information, go their website: www.nutrafruit.com.au