Health Benefits of Prunes

The European dried plums – also known as prunes – are dry fruits that are sticky in texture but yummy in taste.

Prunes are grown mostly in European countries and are available all throughout the year. Prunes are rich in a many nutrients, minerals and vitamins. It has a rich collection of vitamins A and K, fibres and minerals like potassium. The rich bundle of nutrients is what makes prunes healthy for eating. Prunes can be consumed directly raw as a fruit or can be added in several delicacies.

Prunes are largely used in desserts and sweets.

The following are a few health benefits of prunes which make it the healthiest among all dried fruits.

1. The Protecting Prune – Prunes are filled with a lot of antioxidants which protect the body from unwanted radicals or toxins. Prunes contain some chemicals which help in protecting the fat layers around brain cells, organ tissues, etc. The fat layer around cells and tissues form a protective cushioning. The fat layer can be damaged by the unwanted radicals and toxins. Prunes help in removing these toxins out from the body and protecting the fat layer.

2. The Sugar Controller Prune – Prunes are eaten after a meal or during a meal. This is because it has the capability to delay the absorption of extra sugar in the meal which can be harmful for diabetic patients. Prunes also stimulate the production of insulin. Prunes can therefore be of great help to control sugar level in the body. Controlling sugar level and keeping a watch on diabetes is one of the health benefit of prunes.

3. Weight Control – Prunes are also good for people who want to lose weight and become thin. Prunes are rich in fibre which helps in proper digestion of food, removing the unnecessary substances which in turn cause weight gain and stomach bloating. Prunes also help to reduce hunger cravings. It helps you to prevent over eating which avoids weight gain.

4. Intestinal Friendly Prunes – Prunes are good for digestion related problems. They help to avoid constipation problems and decrease the bloating of stomach. Prunes also help in bile production and removing excess bile along with urine or faeces. Prunes also contain some insoluble fibre which is food for the friendly bacteria in our intestines. These friendly bacteria are responsible for proper digestion in our body. Therefore, prunes are quite good for our digestion, the friendly bacteria in our body and our intestines

5. Prune and heart – Prunes are considered to be very good for our heart. This is because they reduce cholesterol level in our body. Prunes reduce heart diseases and chances of getting any heart strokes or heart attacks. Prunes help to reduce cholesterol in our body as it contains the health omega 3 and other nutrients required by our heart. Therefore, prunes have great health benefits for our heart, therefore, should be consumed daily.

6. Mineral absorption - There have been recent studies that prunes help in the absorption of minerals like iron in the body. Iron content increases in the body because of prune consumption.