by Kristin Urbauer

Created on: December 14, 2009

Prunes, or dried plums, are one of nature’s amazing nutritional gifts. Few foods provide such rich and varied nutritional advantages as those that come packaged in the humble prune. Commonly known as the “constipation fruit” by many, this fruit has received bad publicity, making it a commonly avoided food.  However, prunes actually have a good, unique taste and, if you know the right recipes, make a tasty addition to a healthy and varied diet.

Benefits of Prunes

As mentioned, prunes are a great tool for relieving constipation; this is due to their high fiber content and sorbitol, a stool loosening sugar found in prunes. However, the benefits of prunes extend far beyond this simple use. Prunes can help slow the aging process in the body, specifically in the brain. They are helpful in anemia and in the maintenance of normal blood circulation. They can also be used to treat simple sore throats. Finally, prunes are wonderful storehouses of antioxidants and beta carotene, both of which are highly recommended for the prevention of many cancers. Prunes are actually the richest food source of antioxidants, pound for pound.

Content of Prunes – Per 100 Grams

Specifically, prunes provide a whopping 810 mg of potassium and 7 mg of iron, both essential components for healthy blood. 1890 I.U. of Vitamin A and 3 mg of Vitamin C will help to maintain healthy skin, hair and nails. Measuring in with a noteworthy 78 g of carbohydrates, prunes are sure to give you a long-lasting and healthy energy boost. All this and more, packaged into a reasonable 268 calories, makes prunes a low-calorie and low-fat addition to a healthy diet.

Other Possible Benefits of Prunes

Prunes continue to be studied for their many benefits and such studies consistently turn up new and interesting advantages to the consumption of this fruit. Recent studies have shown that prunes may be helpful in the prevention of osteoporosis, a common problem in those over 50 and especially among women. Other studies are attempting to pinpoint specific benefits for heart health and prevention of many types of cardiovascular disease. As a source of both chlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid, 2 uncommon phenol antioxidants, prunes likely provide benefits not associated with many other fruits.

Including Prunes in Your Diet

Though prunes can of course be eaten straight, and many enjoy them in this manner, prunes also make a tasty addition to many healthy recipes. Try one of the following to

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