So, do you want to know about prunes benefits? You will get to read about some excellent health benefits of prunes and their nutritional value. But if you do not know, prunes are simply dehydrated plums. If you like plums but hate it when they quickly become rotten, go for prunes because dried fruit lasts longer in the pantry.
Some of their benefits include their bone preservation properties, gut-health-improving properties, heart health-improving properties, diabetes-controlling benefits, and much more.
So, keep reading to know the detailed benefits of prunes.
Protect Against a Number of Lethal Diseases
Do you know chronic inflammation is the root cause of many diseases including cancer, heart diseases, liver health issues, and skin diseases? Eating prunes can reduce inflammation because they are rich in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that reduces inflammation.
Polyphenols also protect against DNA damage. DNA damage can cause cancer. So, polyphenols are essential for protecting against cancer.
Prunes have higher antioxidant activity as compared to fresh plums.
Prunes Prevent Premature Aging
Do you want fresh and supple skin with no signs of premature aging? Want to get rid of fine lines on your skin without undergoing expensive cosmetic procedures? Then start consuming foods rich in antioxidants.
Let me tell you the science behind it. Free radicals are responsible for breaking collagen structure along with ruining our health in multiple ways. Collagen is a protein that protects your tendons, skin, and ligaments. It also makes your skin resistant to stretching and keeps it looking fresh and youthful.
So, when free radicals break the structure of collagen, fine lines and even wrinkles appear on your skin. Here, antioxidants come into action like a knight in shiny armor.
Antioxidants simply neutralize the free radicals, problem solved! No more sagging skin with tons of fine lines on it.
Make Your Bones Stronger
Prunes are RICH in nutrients (You will read the nutritional content of prunes in detail later in this article) such as Boron, Magnesium, Potassium, and Vitamin K. These minerals are good for your bone health. Plus, prunes (dried plums) have shown to reduce bone loss and improve bone mineral density.
Eating prunes frequently for six months can make your bones stronger.
Prunes Benefits for Your Gut Health
Prunes are one of the best dried fruits you can find to promote your gut health. They contain both soluble and insoluble fiber that helps in easier digestion. They also maintain a healthy level of gut-friendly bacteria and prevent the risk of colon cancer.
You can consume prunes after meals for better benefits.
Are Prunes good for your brain?
Yes, prunes improve brain function and thinking. They are a power snack for your brain.
Prunes are rich in potassium and allow brain cells to communicate. Changes in potassium levels have been linked to changes in the release of hormones and learning ability.
Prune Juice Benefits
Prune juice is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and fiber, which work as a laxative and can help maintain a healthy digestive system. It reduces the risk of lethal diseases such as heart disease, strokes, and other health problems. It’s also an excellent source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
It’s not a boring supplement or a distasteful medicine, rather it tastes really good. So, enjoy great health benefits with a great taste.
Nutrition in Prunes (Dried Plums)
Prunes’ benefits are associated with their nutrition. In 100 grams of prunes, you get 240 calories and:
0.4g fat
0 mg cholesterol
2 mg sodium
732 mg Potassium
64 g Carbohydrates
7 g fiber
2.2 g Protein
FAQ’s
How many prunes should you eat a day?
You can consume 4 – 5 prunes a day. It will work fine because eating them excessively can cause a disturbance in your gut health.
How to Add Prunes to Your Diet?
You can consume prune juice or eat them as a snack. They taste good so, it’s a win-win snack aka a healthy snack. It’s best to consume them after a meal.
Takeaway
Consuming prunes is good for your brain, digestive health, and heart health. They come with amazing nutritional value and a great taste to keep your system healthy.
Get yourself some prunes, you’re surely going to love them.
Read further about another healthy dried fruit: Dried Figs Benefits