THE HUMBLE PLUM.

Eating just one plum a day could help protect against breast cancer,heart disease and slow down the ageing process.Scientists and nutritional experts have hailed the plum,which contains higher levels of antioxidants than the blueberry but at a fraction of the price.After analysing dozens of varieties of plums,researchers at Agrilife Research in Texas found plums to be "the emerging stars" for health.Food Scientist Dr Luis Cisneros said "people tend to eat just a few blueberries at a time,either on cereals or in a mixed fruit salad,but will eat a whole plum at once,thus getting the full benefits."The fruit which is native to Britain, contains high levels of vitamin A which helps keep the skin looking young,also vitamin C,calcium,magnesium,iron,potassium and fibre.They are also sodium and cholesterol free.Nutritionists praised the super food,which per pound costs about a third of the price of Blueberries.Catherine Collins, principal dietician at Londons St George`s Hospital, welcomed the research.She said:"Plums are very good for us.They are low in calories,fat free and fairly cheap.If everyone was eating two or three plums a day it would be great."