5 Health Benefits of Prunes

Prunes are well known for their ability to relieve constipation, but did you know that they have many other health benefits as well? This unassuming fruit is a powerhouse of fibre, vitamins and minerals. Just one cup of prunes provides 87% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin K, more than 20% of most B vitamins, 8% of calcium and 27% of potassium! Here are five great reasons to add prunes into your daily diet.

1. Improve your vision

Prunes are a great source of vitamin A, which is essential for healthy vision. A single prune delivers three percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, which helps prevent night blindness, dry eyes, macular degeneration and cataracts.

2. Boost your antioxidant intake

Did you know that prunes have an even higher concentration of antioxidants than blueberries? A study by researchers at Tufts University in Boston ranked prunes as the number one food in terms of antioxidant capacity, with high amounts of manganese, iron and plant phenolics that help protect cell membranes from free radical damage.

3. Keep your heart healthy

Prunes are high in potassium, an important mineral that ensures proper functioning of the heart and nerve response throughout the body. Daily intake of potassium helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of problems such as dizziness, heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

4. Relieve constipation

With their high fibre and sorbitol content, prunes help with digestion, relieving constipation and promoting regular bowel movements. Sorbitol, the natural sugar present in prunes, functions as a laxative because it pulls moisture into the digestive tract and facilitates bowel movements.

5. Prevent osteoporosis and relieve arthritis

According to researchers at Florida State University, prunes may be able to reverse osteoporosis in postmenopausal women as potassium and boron in prunes help to support bone health. Prunes also have anti-inflammatory properties and are highly recommended for people suffering from arthritis.

Not only does pitted prunes bring about the many health benefits, other organic dried fruits too! Do check them out here.