Prunes, also known as dried plums, are one of the healthiest foods present here. It is known to be useful in relieving constipation, but offers more benefits than just this. It aids in protecting the heart against any disease as well. Apart from these, the information to be provided below is the other health benefits of prunes.
The Top 5 Health Benefits of Prunes
1. Acts as Protection Against Diseases such as Cancer
Prunes are said to be aiding in the protection of the brain against free radicals and the damages it can cause. It helps in preventing chronic diseases from developing like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Dried plums are rich in phytonutrients known as phenols. The phytonutrients it contains are chlorogenic and neochloregenic acid. There were several studies stating that these two can help in damage prevention in cells, especially when it is the fat molecules oxidation in the body. The brain cells and cell membranes are made up of fat, which makes these phytonutrients essential to be included in one’s diet. These compounds slow down the LDL cholesterol oxidation as well, which makes it a significant factor in lessening the risk of developing chronic diseases.
2. It Aids in the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes as well as Obesity
Prunes have high levels of soluble fiber. These are compounds that aid in keeping the blood sugar levels on the safe zone. This type of fiber can slow down the rate that foods leave the stomach. This leads to delaying sugar absorption. Apart from that, soluble fiber is also increasing the body’s insulin sensitivity. As for obesity, consuming dried plums will make you feel satisfied with what you have consumed. Hence, overeating is prevented, which also eliminates the risk of gaining weight.
3. Aids in Lowering Cholesterol Levels
Another of the health benefits of prunes is its ability to keep the level of cholesterol low, which is again enabled because of its soluble fiber. This soluble fiber does this by soaking excess bile followed by excreting it. Bile is made of cholesterol coming from the liver. It is produced to help in the digestion of fat. The excretion of the fiber and bile occurs through plum. The process necessitates the usage of cholesterol by the livers so that more bile is produced. Due to this, the amount of circulation is lowered. Aside from this, soluble fiber slows down the amount of cholesterol being manufactured.
4. Healthy Bones and Lessens the Risk of Developing Osteoporosis
It is shown studies that prunes are the most helpful fruit in the prevention as well as reversing of bone loss. This is enabled because the fruit contains flavonoids and phenoic compounds.
5. Prunes are Rich in Vitamin C
Prunes have the ability to aid the body in absorbing iron. This is because it’s a rich source of Vitamin C. The high amount helps in building immunity. This vitamin also helps in the formation of collagen, which then aids in supporting the development and maintaining of strong as well as healthy tissue.
Cancer and heart diseases are two of the most common health conditions that are continuously affecting the population. With the health benefits of prunes mentioned above, it just made it necessary to include this food into one’s diet. This way, the rate of the population being diagnosed with these diseases is lessened.
