Check out some of the benefits of prunes:
1. The ingredients sorbitol and isatin regulate the functions of the digestive system and are used as an effective remedy against constipation.
2. The high vitamin C content in prunes helps the body fight infection, inflammation and free radicals.
3. Prunes are good for the eyes and vision as they help to maintain the good condition of the eye membranes.
4. Studies have linked consumption of prunes to protection against certain types of cancer – such as breast cancer and lung cancer.
5. They help maintain heart health. The high content of antioxidants helps to eliminate free radicals and lowers cholesterol.
6. Plums are a natural laxative.
7. They support the correct absorption of iron by the body.
8. They help to remove toxins from the body and thus help to reduce weight in a natural way.
9. Prunes protect against macular degeneration.
10. They have a low glycemic index, making them a great food for diabetics as they help regulate blood sugar levels.
11. They strengthen the immune system and protect against colds and infections.
12. Vitamin E and beta carotene in plums protect the skin from aging – they help reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
13. Eating plums helps protect against sun damage.
14. Magnesium in plums is useful for muscle and nerve development
15. Plums contain a large amount of folic acid and calcium, which helps its absorption. Folic acid is especially useful for pregnant women and helps the fetus to develop properly.
16. Prunes have a diuretic and purifying effect, which is why they are often included in detoxification regimens.
Losing weight
Prunes are useful for losing weight, although the calorie content is quite high, it has a pronounced laxative and diuretic effect. Therefore, the use of the product helps to remove toxins, excess fluids and toxic substances from the body. This is the benefit of prunes in the diet, it does not burn fat per se, but prevents their accumulation.
In order for the benefit of dried plums to manifest itself in full force and there was no harm, it is necessary to follow some rules. It is desirable to eat dried fruits in the morning, the daily norm should not exceed 100 g. It is also not recommended to combine dried fruits with other laxative products – this can lead to diarrhea, which will harm the body.
Are prunes allowed for nursing mothers
As for the benefits and harms of prunes for the health of nursing mothers, then during breastfeeding the product should be abandoned completely. The substances present in healthy dried fruits will enter the baby’s body through breast milk and cause indigestion, which will definitely harm.
Is it possible to eat prunes with diabetes
The glycemic index of dried fruits is only 29 units. This is a very low indicator, therefore prunes do not cause changes in blood sugar levels. At the same time, the benefits of prunes are in the increased fiber content of the product, the fruits help to cleanse the body, improve digestion and prevent constipation. Thus, with diabetes, dried fruits do not harm, but only benefit. But, of course, the amount of the product should be controlled – 3-4 pieces of fruit per day will be enough for diabetics in their pure form or as part of other meals.
How to choose the right prunes when buying
If there is no free time to prepare prunes, you can buy it, but when choosing, you must adhere to several rules.
• Good dried fruits should have a rich and uniform black color, without reddish and rusty spots.
• The skin of prunes should be smooth, firm and shiny.
• If you gently squeeze the prunes in your fingers, no pits should remain from pressing, the pulp inside the dried fruit should still retain its elasticity.
How to store prunes
You can store dried fruit both at room temperature and in the refrigerator. But in both cases, it is important to keep the product in dry, sealed containers to avoid the harmful growth of molds. On average, at room temperature, the fruits retain their beneficial properties for six months, and in the refrigerator – up to one year.