The value of prunes, like other dried fruits, lies in the unique set of easily digestible mineral substances contained in it in the absence of fats. Nature endowed this fruit with a number of indispensable qualities, thanks to which it has a tangible positive effect on the human body, sometimes even healing.
The benefits of prunes are invaluable at any time of the year, but in times of vitamin deficiency it is especially important to have this dried fruit in your diet. It contains vitamins A, B, C and PP, as well as salts of iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, pectin substances and plant fiber.
Due to the high content of such a valuable trace element as potassium, prunes contribute to the normalization of the water-salt balance, improves kidney function and helps in the treatment of hypertension. For the same reason, the benefits of prunes are also manifested in cardiovascular diseases.
No less valuable are substances such as carotene and pectin, which are also present in considerable doses in this dried fruit. Carotene in the body is transformed into vitamin A, which improves vision and enhances the body's resistance to viruses and bacteria. Pectin substances normalize the functioning of the intestines and contribute to the removal of cholesterol from the body. Therefore, it is advisable to use prunes for rheumatism, atherosclerosis, liver diseases, and kidney dysfunction. And also with violations in the entire gastrointestinal tract.
The benefits of prunes are known for such a delicate problem as constipation. This is a wonderful natural medicine, which without any laxatives can quickly establish the work of the intestines.
This dried fruit also has a pronounced antioxidant effect due to the presence of a compound such as chlorogenic acid. This is a highly effective trap for free radicals, which are known to cause cell aging, the appearance of malignant tumors and other negative phenomena. The positive effect of this valuable substance is antimicrobial, antiviral and, most importantly, anti-cancer activity. So regularly using prunes, you can protect the body even from cancer. And besides, such nutrition helps to increase efficiency and has a noticeable anti-aging effect.
Prunes are recommended for diseases of the oral cavity, as it reduces the risk of gum disease and the development of caries. And such a substance as potassium hydrotartrate, which is present in its chemical composition, prevents the growth of harmful bacteria in the oral cavity.
Also, it is advisable to include this valuable dietary product in the diet if you need to get rid of excess weight, without refusing at the same time nutritious and tasty food. It helps to cleanse the body and establish a perfect metabolic function. Prunes are quite full and perfectly satisfies hunger, therefore, suitable for a light snack. And if you use it before the main course, you can get enough of much less food. Therefore, this product is indispensable for those who want to control their weight.
The benefits of prunes largely depend on the technology of its preparation and processing. It is important to know that fruits with a brownish-brown color were initially blanched for disinfection. This treatment, prolonging the life of dried fruit, kills part of the vitamins. The most useful is dried with pitted dark prunes.
The benefits and harms of this product are largely dependent on the health status of a particular person. Due to the fact that drying significantly increases the concentration of trace elements, sugars and vitamins in fruits, in diseases such as diabetes and obesity, dried fruits should be consumed moderately and carefully.
Such food is not recommended for nursing mothers, since prune harm can occur on a child, causing upset stomach.