Prunes prunes benefits and contraindications Who has not eaten prunes when suffering from constipation? It truly does provide health benefits, but it also has contraindications. Let’s know all this below:
Prunus domestica, also called the European plum, belongs to the Roseaceae family, which contains flowering plants, including approximately 2,830 species distributed in more than 95 genera. Other known members of this large family are apple (Malus domestica), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) and pear (Pyrus communis).
Plum trees are medium in size, usually kept to 15 – 18 ft (4.6 – 5 m) by pruning. The leaves have shallow serrated margins, and the flowers usually have five pink or white petals that appear before the leaves.
Before drying up and becoming prunes, plums are typically medium in size, 1–1.5 in (2.5–4 cm) in diameter, oval in shape, and have a firm, fleshy flesh, with a stone or pit (endocarp) enclosing the seed. The shell is smooth, with a waxy surface and sticks to the meat.
Historic information Researchers believe that plums were first domesticated as a food crop in Central Asia approximately 2,500 years BC. However, the first records of its use as a healing agent date back to 479 BC. C., when they were included in a Chinese medical treatise as an aid against constipation.
After Alexander the Great’s conquest helped plums find their way to Europe, they were quickly adopted by all the different Mediterranean cultures, and by 65 B.C. C., they were already an important product in Pompeii.
Economic data Currently, the United States is the largest producer of fresh and dried plums. Most of the domestic commercial production occurs in the Pacific States, New York, and Michigan; but the plum is grown in all areas of the US except the South and colder regions.
About 70% of the prunes eaten worldwide are imported from California, which produces 99% of the US plum supply. More than 1,000 varieties of plums are grown to dry the prunes, which arrive to market faster than fresh plums.
Other uses of plum
Baking. Pureed plum can be used as a fat substitute in baking recipes.
Candy. Prunes can also be used to make jellied sweets.
Cosmetic products. The walnut oil extracted from the plum pit is used in the cosmetic industry as a softener.
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Benefits of prunes to health
Prunes boast an impressive nutritional and medicinal profile. Compared to fresh plums, prunes have excellent laxative and osteoprotective properties. Prunes are generally used for:
Relieve constipation. Prunes help balance sugar and water levels in the stool, allowing for a easier digestion.
strengthen bones Prunes help the body better absorb calcium, promoting healthy bones and preventing osteoporosis.
Additionally, science has shown that prunes may also be helpful in supporting cardiovascular health and treating metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity.
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How does it work
The main active compound behind the medicinal value of prunes is sorbitol, an indigestible sugar that helps the stomach break down nutrients. Helps balance sugar and water levels in stool, making regular bowel movements easier.
Besides, the insoluble and soluble fiber it makes stool larger and promotes peristalsis: the synchronized movements of smooth muscles in the intestines.
Additionally, both plums and prunes are a rich source of polyphenol phytochemicals, which are antioxidant agents.
Also know green plum benefits
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Contraindications of prunes
Prunes are considered one of the safest options for constipation relief. However, they do contain traces of arsenic, which in large amounts can cause digestive upset and diarrhea.
Prunes contain moderate levels of oxalates, which tend to accumulate in the kidneys, forming crystals known as kidney stones. People with a history of kidney problems should limit their consumption of prunes.
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