You probably already know that prunes are good for your digestive health. In fact, if youve ever experienced some dietary distress, your older relatives probably suggested snacking on a handful of prunes or drinking a glass of prune juice. And there is a good reason for that. Prunes are famous for their high amount of insoluble fiber, as well as a sugar alcohol called sorbitol, which has been shown to help improve digestive health and relieve discomfort and constipation, according to Healthline. In fact, prunes contain about 15% sorbitol, compared to just one percent of the sugar alcohol found in fresh fruit, which is why prunes are often more effective than plums when it comes to relieving digestive distress, according to How Stuff Works.
But where exactly does this healthy fruit come from? Prunes are a dried fruit, similar to raisins, which are made when the ripe fruit is dehydrated. But although they are usually thought of as simply dried plums, the truth is a little more complicated than that. Although they may come from the same family, prunes and plums are not the same things. While it is true that prunes are a type of dried plum, not all plums can be turned into prunes.
The fibre content in plums aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system by adding bulk to the stool, reducing the risk of constipation, and encouraging regular bowel movements. Prunes, on the other hand, are often touted as nature’s remedy for constipation due to their high sorbitol content.
Plums are a very good source of vitamins B1, B2, B6, and C, phenolic compounds, and fiber. They are also good sources of neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid, which are two phenols that are very strong anti-cancer and antioxidant compounds. These compounds also help reduce the “bad” LDL cholesterol and therefore promote heart health.
When purchasing plums, they should yield to gentle pressure, especially at the opposite end of the stem. Good quality plums, when ripe, should have a distinct, sweet “plum” smell. While plums will ripen when left at room temperature, overly hard plums should be avoided because they will not ripen into their full natural flavor or texture. Also make sure to avoid plums that are mushy or have discoloration or skin damage.
Prunes also contain soluble fiber, the type of fiber linked with lowering cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of conditions such as heart disease and stroke. Eating just five prunes gives one about three grams of fiber, which is about twelve percent of the daily value.
Prunes are also a good food for boosting overall health. This is because prunes have a high amount of many different vitamins, minerals, and other healthy compounds. They are also a great source of concentrated energy because they lose water during the drying process, which means you get a lot of energy and nutrients in a small amount of fruit. Prunes contain antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, potassium, fiber, iron, and vitamin A. They’re a great source of beta-carotene in particular, which is particularly beneficial for promoting strong vision and preventing macular degeneration and cataracts. Furthermore, prunes are high in potassium, an essential mineral for helping to maintain a healthy blood pressure level.
Plums and prunes are often used for their laxative effects, with prunes being more effective than plums. Prunes have three different ingredients that work together to help keep the digestive system working optimally. First, prunes are high in insoluble fiber, an essential part of good elimination and in helping to prevent constipation. Because insoluble fiber isnt absorbed by the body, it stays in the digestive tract, and because the digestive tract is very absorbent, the fiber soaks up large amounts of water which make the stools bigger and easier to pass. The insoluble fiber in prunes is also food for the good bacteria in the intestines, and when the good bacteria eat or use this insoluble fiber, they make butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid that is the main fuel for the cells in the intestines to maintain a healthy colon tract.
Prunes come from a specific variety of plum
It turns out, prunes come from a very specific variety of plum, one that has an easily-removable pit, according to Difference Between. Prunes also differ in color from other plum varieties, bearing a rich blue or purple hue, rather than the deep red color of other ripe plums. Additionally, prunes tend to have an oval shape, while plums are usually rounder. However, both fruits are part of the same genus, Prunus, along with other stone fruits like cherries, apricots, and peaches.
Plums are usually eaten fresh. Dried prunes are made when the specific prune variety of plum is harvested and then pitted, dried, and steamed, according to Taylor Brothers Farms. Only the variety of plum that can undergo this dehydration process without fermenting can be turned into a prune. However, although prunes and plums are not exactly the same thing, in more recent years prunes have been marketed simply as “dried plums” in many cases, in order to avoid the unsexy association prunes have long had with their laxative effects and to make the food more appealing to a younger demographic.
What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Prunes Everyday || Prunes Benefits
FAQ
Does eating plums have the same effect as eating prunes?
How many plums should I eat for constipation?
What is a good alternative to prunes for constipation?
Are plums a stool softener?
Are plums a laxative?
It’s important to maintain consistent vitamin K intake and inform your healthcare provider if you plan to increase or decrease your consumption of plums or prunes. Additionally, plums and prunes may have a mild laxative effect due to their high fiber and sorbitol content.
What is the effect of prunes on the intestine?
Prunes are rich in fiber and improve bowel function. In individuals suffering from constipation, the consumption of 100 grams of prunes per day increases the frequency and improves the consistency of the stool more than the consumption of psyllium.
Are prunes a laxative?
Additionally, plums and prunes may have a mild laxative effect due to their high fiber and sorbitol content. This can potentially interfere with the absorption of certain medications, such as those for diabetes or cholesterol management.
Should you eat plums & prunes if you’re taking medications?
Remember, while plums and prunes offer numerous health benefits, it’s essential to prioritize your overall well-being by seeking professional advice regarding potential interactions with medications. Plums are a delightful fruit that offers a burst of juicy sweetness.