Energy Packed Super Snack: Prunes

FA prune is a dried plum of any cultivar , mostly Prunus domestica or European Plum. The use of the term for fresh fruit is obsolete except when applied to varieties grown for drying. Most dried prunes are freestone cultivars whereas most other plums grown for fresh consumption are clingstone.

Prunes are sweet and juicy which offers a no. of benifits. These can be eaten as a snack at any time of day or incorporated into your meals. They are easy to store and ready to eat anywhere, anytime.

Top 10 Health Benifits Of Prunes

Prunes are rich in fiber, minerals and vitamins. Here are some following benifits of Prunes:-

1. Promotes Digestive System

It has soluble as well as insoluble dietary fiber. Insoluble fiber helps speed food through digestive tract and soluble fiber enhance satiety, lowers cholesterol and regulates blood sugar level.

2. Builds Healthier Bones

It contains severals micronutrients including potassium, vitamin K and boron
which is involved in bone metabolism. Prunes prevent hormone related deterioration of the bones, preserving bone mass.

3. Antioxidants

Prunes have the highest antioxidant power of all fruits. Antioxidants are special compounds that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

4. Weight Management

These are high in fiber with less calories. The high fibre in prunes leaves you feeling fuller for longer so you would not feel the need to snack on high calorie treats. They are low in fat too. Hence these are perfect snacks for weight loss.

5. Reduce Plaque Buildup

Plaque build up in the arteries causes atherosclerosis, a narrowing of the arteries, which can result in a shortage of oxygen and blood to the tissues of the body. If left untreated, this can lead to heart failure, stroke, and heartattack. Fortunately, research suggests that dried prunes may help slow the development of atherosclerosis.
Scientists have shown that eating prunes and drinking
prune juice can significantly reduce blood pressure.

6. Good Source of Iron

Anemia occurs when the body doesn’t have sufficient healthy red blood cells, which iron helps to make. Shortness of breath, irritability, and fatigue are all signs of mild anemia. Prune juice is a great source of iron and can help prevent and treat iron deficiency.

7. Aids Normal Body Function

Prunes are a good source of potassium , an electrolyte that assists in a variety of vital bodily functions. This mineral helps with digestion, heart rhythm, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions, as well as blood pressure. Since the body doesn’t naturally produce potassium, consuming prunes or prune juice can help you avoid deficiencies.

8. They’re a good source of vitamin K and beta carotene

A 2013 study showed that an increased intake in beta
carotene can actually make people happier . Beta-carotene
also protects and fixes the damage of free radicals on our
cells meaning it can help reverse the signs of aging.
Vitamin K works in conjunction with beta carotene to fight
the signs of aging by helping reduce bone
loss and improving circulation.

9. Controls the Urge

An overactive bladder can be embarrassing to deal with, but adding fiber to your diet can help. Oftentimes, constipation from lack of fiber can have a negative effect on bladder function and increase the frequency of urination.

10. Help To Lower Cholesterol

The soluble fibre we just spoke of also helps to lower cholesterol by soaking up excess bile in the intestine and then excreting it. Bile is made from cholesterol in the liver in order to digest fat. When the body excretes bile along with the fibre from prunes and plums, the liver must use cholesterol in the body to make more bile thereby lowering the amount in circulation in the body. Soluble fibre may also inhibit the amount of cholesterol manufactured by the liver in the first place. Prunes are more effective than psyllium fibre at
relieving constipation.