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The Benefits of Prunes
Prunes are made from dried plums. Several varieties of plums are used in making prunes. This includes the d'Agen plum, the Stanley plum and the President plum.
Prunes are generally sweet and moist, brown or black in color, and with wrinkled skin. They are either sun-dried or machine-dried before packaging. However, they are partially reconstituted, which makes them moist unlike most other dried fruits.
Prunes are usually eaten alone, but can be added to oatmeal or stewed and eaten with cream. Prune juice is also good to drink. Besides their culinary uses, prunes also offer various health benefits.
Benefits of Prunes
- Prunes are high in dietary fiber, which improves digestion and prevents gastrointestinal illnesses and diseases. Prunes and prune juice are widely used as cures for constipation because they contain a natural laxative named dihydrophenylisatin.
- Prunes are rich in beta-carotene, which makes them one of the best foods to add to your diet if you want to prevent cancer and slow aging.
- Prunes are high in Vitamin A, which helps improve vision, strengthen the immune system and maintain healthy skin.
- Prunes contain phenols, which are antioxidants that eliminate free radicals that can cause tissue damage.
- Prunes are a good source of potassium. Increasing your intake of potassium-rich foods can lower the risk of stroke and heart disease.
- Prunes also lower blood pressure and reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the body. Excessive amounts of bad cholesterol can lead to clogged arteries.
Add prunes to your regular diet to take advantage of their health benefits. If you prefer prune juice, study the label first. Ensure that the artificial additives do not compromise the health benefits. Choose prune juice that has no added sugar and is free from unhealthy ingredients.
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