(rsooll / Shutterstock.com)
Prunes are a small dried fruit that come from plums. They’ve been consumed around the world for centuries and are known for both their taste and medicinal benefits.
Prunes are made by dehydrating or drying plums, which enhances their flavor and makes them a sweet, tangy and chewy treat, according to WebMD. As with most dried fruit, prunes have a long shelf life making it a perfect pantry item. Plus prunes also have many health benefits. Here are five benefits of adding prunes to your diet.
Heart Healthy
According to Verywell Health, eating five to 10 prunes every day can do wonders for your heart. Prunes are packed with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in your body. This lowers the likelihood of getting heart diseases.
In addition to protecting your heart, prunes may also help to balance and improve your cholesterol levels. By adding prunes to your diet, you are taking an easy and natural step towards protecting yourself from heart disease and strokes. You can eat prunes as a snack or add them to your morning yoghurt or cereal.
Good for Your Gut
Your digestive system plays a big role in keeping your body healthy, and prunes can be one of the best foods to support it. Web MD stressed that prunes are a great source of dietary fiber. Eating fiber may help with constipation and keep your digestive system active and moving regularly.
When your gut is healthy and working well, your body can absorb the vitamins, minerals and all the nutrients from the food you eat as best as possible. Eating prunes regularly could keep your gut happy, your body energized and your digestion running smoothly.
Helps Protect Your Bladder
Prunes don’t just help with your digestive system, they could also help take care of your bladder. When you are constipated, the extra pressure on your abdomen can press against your bladder. This can make it uncomfortable and possibly also harmful. By keeping your digestion regular and healthy by eating prunes, your bladder can be protected too.
Iron Rich
Prunes are a great source of iron, according to Healthline. Eating prunes or drinking prune juice is a great way to avoid anemia; a health condition that occurs when your iron levels are low. Anemia symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath and irritability.
Including iron-rich foods like prunes in your diet can help you avoid these uncomfortable symptoms and help keep your energy levels high throughout the day. A single cup of prune juice contains three mg of iron, which makes it a smart addition to your morning routine or diet in general. Adding a cup of prune juice to your diet is a small habit that could make a big difference to your health and how you feel.
Supports Bone Health
Prunes are an important source of a mineral called boron, a mineral that is responsible for keeping your bones healthy and strong. This mineral may also help you stay alert through the day.
According to a Penn State study, prunes may be the superfood your bones need. Eating just four to six prunes per day has been linked to preserving bone density and lowering the risk of fractures or bone loss, especially as people age. For people who are concerned about bone health, such as postmenopausal women, adding prunes to their daily diet can make a big difference.
Strong bones and a clear mind are important for overall wellness, and prunes support both, stressed Healthline. By including them in your meals, you are giving your body a natural boost to stay healthy, strong and mentally alert all day long.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
5 Fantastic Fig Benefits
7 Sensational Health Benefits of Dates
How to Eat the Rainbow: 5 Shades of Nutrients
