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Plums and the Cretan Bowl Diet…Plums come in many varieties and can be tart or very sweet; for cooking or for eating. They also come in wide range of colours from light greens and yellows to dark reds and purples. Plums are an excellent source of Vitamin A, Vitamin B2 and Vitamin C. Vitamin A assists with cell reproduction. It also stimulates immunity and is needed for formation of some hormones. Vitamin A helps vision and supports bone growth, tooth development, and helps maintain healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes. Deficiency of Vitamin A can cause night blindness, dry skin, poor bone growth, and weak tooth enamel. 
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) is important for body growth, reproduction and red cell production. It also assists in releasing energy from carbohydrates.
Vitamin C is an important vitamin in that it plays a significant role as an antioxidant, thereby protecting body tissue from the damage of oxidation. Antioxidants act to protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body’s metabolism. Free radicals can cause cell damage that may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Plums also contain Potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral for the growth and maintenance of the body. It is needed to maintain a normal water balance between the cells and body fluids. Potassium also plays an essential role in proper heart function. Deficiency may cause muscular cramps, twitching and weakness, irregular heartbeat, insomnia, kidney and lung failure.
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