Fruits, whether dry, blended into a juice, or in its natural form often carry goodness and vitamins that our bodies need in order to stay strong and healthy. Dried fruits like plums, which are called prunes, are no different, as they have many health benefits and can remain in our kitchen cupboards for months before they go off.
Below we have shared four health benefits found in prunes as per BBC Good Food.
1. May support bone health
Including prunes in your diet may be beneficial for maintaining healthy, strong bones. In fact, animal studies suggest prunes are effective at not only preventing bone loss but helping to reverse it too. This makes them especially relevant for mid-life adults who may be at risk of osteoporosis.
2. May promote a healthy heart
A plentiful source of fibre, prunes are especially rich in a soluble fibre called pectin, which may help balance cholesterol levels. However, it’s not just the fibre which is beneficial. The protective antioxidant properties of prunes appear to also help lower blood pressure as does the vitamin and mineral contribution, particularly the high levels of potassium.
3. May reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
Eating fruit in its whole form, such as prunes, is associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. There are a number of explanations for this including their high fibre content, their rich phytochemical levels and micronutrient contribution. Furthermore, despite their sweet taste, prunes don’t actually cause the typical rise in blood sugar and insulin seen after eating sweet foods.
4. May slow the ageing process
Prunes may help slow the ageing process, they do this thanks to their exceptionally high antioxidant levels, which is thought to be as much as twice that of other fruit and vegetables. Animal studies have shown that feeding diets rich in these antioxidants appears to have a beneficial effect on alleviating levels of anxiety which in turn may reduce oxidative stress in the brain and delay its adverse effects on cognitive function.
ALSO SEE: The health benefits of figs
Article compiled by Bongiwe Mati for BONA.
Feature image: Unsplash
