Prunes: benefits and harm to the body

Prunes are a favorite treat of many adults and children. This product has not only excellent taste, but also has a beneficial effect on the human body, saturating it with vitamins and many macro- and microelements.

What is prune and how does it look

Despite the enormous popularity of this product, not everyone knows that they make it from ordinary black plum. In this case, the following varieties are most often used:

• Hungarian.
• Stanley
• Kroman.

For the manufacture of prunes use only ripe fruits. Plums are carefully sorted out, removing spoiled and immature, cleaned and dried. In this case, the use of fruits with or without a bone is allowed.

High-quality prunes are painted in a saturated black color and have a light shine characteristic of this product. This type of dried fruit differs in size from the fruit from which it is made. After drying, the drain is reduced in size and volume. The surface of the plum becomes wrinkled, but retains its smoothness.

Composition and calorie content

The composition of prunes includes many components that are necessary for the normal functioning of the human body. These dried fruits contain:

• Beta carotene.
• Thiamine.
• Riboflavin.
• Niacin.
• Pantothenic, folic and ascorbic acids.
• Pyridoxine.
• Tocopherol.
• Potassium.
• Chlorine.
• Calcium.
• Phosphorus.
• Sodium.
• Magnesium.
• Iron.
• Zinc.
• Manganese.
• Selenium.
• Copper.

Due to its rich composition, prunes are considered one of the most useful products that will help not only saturate the body with the missing vitamins, but also help in the treatment of serious diseases. In addition, 100 g of prunes contain only 239 calories. This allows you to include it in the daily menu, even those people who adhere to a diet for weight loss.

What is the use of prunes

The beneficial properties of prunes have been confirmed by many studies. Experts say that these dried fruits can have a beneficial effect on the work of many internal organs, including the kidneys and liver.

The rich composition of prunes provides a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, helps to increase immunity and prevents premature aging of the whole organism. In addition, regular use of these dried fruits can improve the condition of the skin of the whole body, prevent the development of caries and increase efficiency.

For women

According to many therapists, prunes are an indispensable product for the normal functioning of the female body. It will help to cope with many problems:

• depressive states;
• increased irritability;
• anxiety
• insomnia.

In addition, regular use of these dried fruits will help every woman:

1. Keep attractive appearance at any age.The rich composition of prunes slows down the aging of the skin, restoring its firmness, elasticity and smoothness.
2. Get rid of extra pounds. The composition of prunes includes a large number of antioxidants and organic acids, which contribute to weight loss.
3. Prevent the development of cancer. Regular consumption of a small amount of prunes is one of the most effective, natural ways to prevent the development of cancer.

For men

These dried fruits are no less beneficial for the male body. The systematic use of prunes can prevent the development of pathological processes that have a negative effect on potency. In addition, a man whose daily menu includes prunes is much less likely to encounter problems such as:

• avitaminosis;
• prostration;
• low testosterone in the body;
• diseases of the genitourinary system.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, experts not only do not prohibit, but also strongly recommend that prunes be included in the daily diet. These dried fruits help a pregnant woman cope with many problems, including:

• severe toxicosis;
• frequent constipation;
• swelling of the limbs;
• low immunity;
• vitamin deficiency;
• low hemoglobin in the blood.

When breastfeeding

But the postpartum period implies a temporary or complete abandonment of the use of prunes, provided that the newborn is breastfed. Pediatricians allow young mothers to start introducing dried fruits into their diet only after the child reaches two months of age. In this case, all restrictions must be observed and the condition of the child monitored.

In case of allergic or other undesirable reactions in the baby, you should immediately seek the advice of the local pediatrician and completely abandon the use of dried fruits.

For kids

Many pediatricians talk about the benefits of prunes for children. He is able to beneficially influence the growing body of the baby, contributing to:

• rapid elimination of toxins;
• lowering blood cholesterol;
• normalization of blood circulation;
• accelerate metabolism;
• proper development;
• active growth;
• increase immunity.

Is it possible to eat prunes while losing weight

Women who seek to lose a few extra pounds are interested in the question - is it possible to eat these dried fruits during the diet. Experienced nutritionists argue that you should not completely exclude them from the daily diet. However, it will be necessary to limit the use.

The rich composition of prunes can have a beneficial effect on the body of a woman who follows a diet. He will help:

1. Saturate the body with all the necessary vitamins, micro and macro elements.
2. Remove excess fat, which is possible due to the content of dried fruits in a large amount of fiber.
3. Prevent the development of pathological processes in the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Prevent the accumulation of bad cholesterol, which is important when trying to lose weight.
5. Prevent a sharp increase in blood sugar.
6. Remove all accumulated toxins and toxins.

Given all the features of the effects of prunes on the human body, you will not have to abandon its use during the diet. It will not cause weight gain with reasonable use, and even help reduce it.

Prunes in medicine

Prunes are one of the few products that can enhance the effect of drugs and contribute to a complete recovery in the treatment of many diseases. Therapists advise regular use of these dried fruits to people who suffer:

• from some diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• frequent stress;
• constant fatigue and low performance;
• urolithiasis;
• high acidity;
• constant increase in blood pressure;
• some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

In addition, dried fruits are used in the treatment and prevention of vitamin deficiency, gout, kidney and liver pathologies.

With diabetes

Therapists do not prohibit the use of prunes for patients who suffer from diabetes. However, the permissible daily norm can only be calculated by the attending physician who is familiar with the features of the course of the disease, concomitant pathologies and the general condition of the person.

In the right amount, prunes can positively affect a diabetic’s body, prevent a sharp increase in blood sugar, saturate with the necessary amount of nutrients, stop the development of many dangerous diseases and improve the immune system.

Important: prune glycemic index - 40 units.

With pancreatitis

For patients who suffer from pancreatitis, gastroenterologists do not recommend introducing prunes into the daily menu without first consulting with your doctor. Not all patients are allowed to use it, and only in limited quantities.

Experts say that in some cases, these dried fruits can help cope with unpleasant symptoms of the disease, eliminate inflammation and even remove all accumulated toxins from the body. At the same time, in other patients, a general condition may worsen.

With gastritis

During the acute course of the disease or exacerbation of its chronic form, prunes, like all other dried fruits, should be completely excluded from the daily diet. Otherwise, this product will cause irritation of the mucous membranes, increase symptoms and worsen the general condition.

However, gastroenterologists do not recommend their patients to completely abandon the use of this useful product. Experts recommend starting to enter it in the main menu after full recovery and restoration of all functions of the gastrointestinal tract. Prunes will help to recover after a disease and strengthen the body.

For the intestines

Prunes are considered an indispensable product for problems with the intestines. Regular consumption of these dried fruits will help to solve the problem with constipation once and for all. In addition, prunes are used to cleanse the intestines when the human body suffers from a lack of fresh fruit.

For constipation

Many therapists advise prunes to those patients who suffer from constipation. Regular consumption of these dried fruits will help get rid of this problem completely. At the same time, it is allowed to use it even for pregnant women and children who have reached the age of six months.

With gout

During an exacerbation of a disease such as gout, experts advise their patients to exclude prunes from the daily diet. Its use is allowed only after the normalization of the condition, the complete elimination of symptoms and the onset of severe remission. During this period, prunes will help a person saturate the body with useful substances, vitamins, micro and macro elements, which will help recover after an exacerbation of this serious illness.

For the liver

These dried fruits will become an indispensable product in those situations when it is necessary to restore the liver. Prunes will help cleanse this vital organ of accumulated toxins and dangerous microorganisms, reduce the overall load and improve human well-being.

With hemorrhoids

Thanks to the nitrogenous, tanning and pectin components that make up prunes, it helps not only prevent hemorrhoids, but also cure it.

With cholecystitis

Diet with the development of acute or exacerbation of chronic cholecystitis implies a complete rejection of many products. These include prunes.

Prune-based traditional medicine recipes

There are many folk recipes that include prunes. However, the following are considered the most popular of them:

Protein & Cahors drink to boost immunity

This tool guarantees a surge of strength and energy in the morning, will help to cope with anxiety.

To prepare it you will need:

• 250 g of prunes.
• 0.5 l of quality cahors.
• 5 pieces of black pepper.
• 1 leaf of laurel.
• A little clove.

To prepare this drink, you need to put the cahors with prunes in a small bowl, cover it with a transparent lid and heat over low heat until drops appear on the lid. After this, the pan should be removed from the heat, add pepper, laurel, cloves to it and let cool. Drink a drink in the morning after a meal for 2-3 tbsp.

Corns Treatment

A compress from prunes will help cure corns. To prepare it, you will need only a few ingredients that are found in every kitchen:

• A small amount of milk.
• Prunes

Seedless prunes should be boiled in a small amount of milk and applied to corns.

Bowel cleanser

A folk remedy from prunes, buckthorn and rose hips will help to clean the intestines.

To prepare it you will need:

• 2 l of purified water.
• 50 g of buckthorn bark.
• 300 g of quality fresh prunes.
• 250 ml rosehip syrup.

Bark and prunes should be boiled for 25 minutes, closing the pan with a lid. After the specified time, add the rosehip syrup and leave it on fire for another 5-10 minutes. The drug should be infused for 6 hours, then strain.

Take the drug should be for 12 days at the same time for half a glass.

Prunes in cosmetology

Due to its unique composition, prunes are often used to make homemade cosmetics. This product is able to restore health and shine to the hair, cleanse and narrow the pores on the face, improve the appearance and condition of the skin and even stop the development of inflammatory processes on the skin.

There are many recipes that will help to preserve youth and beauty, which include prunes, but the following are very popular:

Mask for overly sensitive skin

To prepare this mask, you need to mix 1 chopped prune with 1 teaspoon of flour and 0.5 teaspoon of honey. The resulting mixture should be applied to clean skin, soak for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.

Nourishing mask

10 g of prune puree, 20 g of yogurt and 10 g of bran should be thoroughly mixed, then applied to the face and soaked for no more than 15 minutes. The mask should be washed off with running cool water.

Mask for skin rashes

4 crushed prunes should be mixed with 20 g of starch. The resulting mixture must be applied to problem areas of the skin and withstand no more than 25 minutes. Rinse off the mask with cool water.

For normal or dry skin

10 g of crushed prunes should be mixed with the same amount of butter, 5 g of honey and 1 chicken yolk. Thoroughly mixed the mixture must be applied to the face, stand for 30 minutes and rinse.

Curd mask

This tool is suitable for owners of normal skin. To prepare it, mix crushed prunes and cottage cheese in equal parts. The resulting mixture must be kept on the skin for 20-30 minutes, then rinse with running water.

Mask for oily skin

It is necessary to mix 1 part of crushed prunes with 1 part of whipped protein, apply the mixture on the skin and wash off after 15-20 minutes. It is better to use water of comfortable temperature for washing and refuse to use the cream after this procedure.

Experienced cosmetologists strongly recommend checking every natural care product for allergic reactions. In case of redness, rash, itching, swelling, burning or other unpleasant symptoms, you should refuse to use this or that mask, start taking antihistamines and seek the advice of an allergist.

Harm and contraindications

Despite the many useful properties, this product can harm the body, but only if you use it incorrectly and ignore contraindications:

1. Experts advise limiting the use of prunes to patients who suffer from severe obesity and diabetes. In these cases, excessive consumption of these dried fruits can lead to undesirable consequences and will bring more harm to the human body than good.
2. In addition, doctors advise to completely abandon the use of prunes during lactation, and also not to give these dried fruits to children who have not reached the age of six months.

Could there be an allergy to prunes
An allergic reaction can be caused by absolutely any product. However, prunes are not considered dangerous, because negative reactions from the body occur extremely rarely.

In the case of these dried fruits, allergies can occur in the form of a rash, redness, itching, and in some cases, severe swelling and fever. The manifestation of the first symptoms of prune allergy implies a complete rejection of the use of this product, taking antihistamines and consulting a specialist.

How to choose and store prunes

Buying quality prunes can be a daunting task, especially for the person who buys these dried fruits for the first time. When choosing this product, you need to follow a few simple rules:

1. To taste. It is better to refuse to buy prunes in supermarkets and stores. Only in the market can you taste it and make sure that there is no bitterness in it. Quality prunes should be sweet and sour.
2. Pay attention to the color of dried fruits. High quality prunes should be painted black. Another shade of this product suggests that it is not worth buying.
3. Give preference to prunes with pits. This ensures that all the nutrients that are contained in the sink are present.

Having bought high quality prunes, you should take care of its proper storage. To preserve all nutrients and prevent product spoilage, these dried fruits should be stored in a clean, airtight container (can be in a box). At the same time, packaging with prunes should be placed in a cool, dry place without access to sunlight.

How to make prunes at home

To prepare prunes at home, you will need a lot of free time, patience and, of course, plums of the appropriate variety. The manufacture of these dried fruits begins with the preparation of the fruits:

1. The plum fruits should be sorted, washed thoroughly and separated from the seeds.
2. Purified plums need blanching in purified water with the addition of a small amount of soda. Blanch the fruits for 30 seconds.
3. Washing is the next step in preparing prunes. Rinse the fruits thoroughly under warm running water, washing off the remaining soda.
4. Cooling drain and drying.

The most popular way to dry plums at home is oven drying. It consists of 3 stages and takes at least 6 hours:

1. The first stage involves drying the fruit for 3 hours. At the same time, the temperature in the oven should be stable and be 55 degrees Celsius. After the specified time, each drain must be turned on the other side and left to cool completely.
2. During the second stage, the plums should dry for another 3 hours at a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius.
3. After cooling completely, you can proceed to the final stage of drying, which takes 30 minutes. In this case, the temperature in the oven must be increased to 100 degrees Celsius.

What can I cook from prunes: recipes

Due to its beneficial properties, prune is one of the most popular products and is used to prepare a variety of dishes.

Salad

One of the most popular snacks is prune and beetroot salad. To prepare it you will need:

• Beet.
• Prunes
• Walnuts.
• Garlic.
• Chives.
• Olive oil.
• Lemon juice.

150 g of prunes should be poured with clean warm water and left for 30 minutes. During this time, it is necessary to finely chop or grate 300 grams of boiled beets on a coarse grater, add 10 pieces of chopped walnuts, 1 clove of garlic and chopped prune to it. Salad must be seasoned with lemon juice, olive oil, spices and salt, put in a salad bowl and garnish with green onions.

Soup

Prunes are also used for cooking first courses. Extremely tasty turns out to be a fish soup with prunes. To prepare it you will need:

• Fish fillet.
• Prunes
• Green pea.
• Potatoes.
• Carrot.
• Bow.
• Parsley.
• Spice.

Cook the broth from 0.5 kg of fish, add to it 150 g of chopped prunes and potatoes, 100 g of carrots and herbs. Boil the fish soup for another 10 minutes, salt, garnish with parsley and serve.

Prunes are also used for the preparation of meat dishes and confectionery. No less popular are drinks from these dried fruits.

How to cook prune compote

One of the most wholesome drinks that can be prepared at home is deservedly considered a prune compote with the addition of raisins and dried apricots.

To prepare it you will need:

• 100 g of quality prunes.
• 50 g dried apricots.
• 50 g of raisins.
• 50–70 g of sugar.
• 3.5 cups of purified water.

Place the washed prunes in an enameled bowl, add sugar to it, pour in preheated water and boil for no more than 15 minutes. After the indicated time, add the remaining dried fruits, boil for another 5-10 minutes and allow to cool. The cooled compote must be filtered, poured into a glass jar or carafe and stored in the refrigerator.

How to eat prunes

To prune showed all its useful properties, it must be eaten correctly. By consuming 5 pieces of prunes every day, a person will be able to get rid of problems such as:

• disorders in the gastrointestinal tract;
• overweight;
• disturbances in the work of the cardiovascular system;
• osteoporosis;
• persistent constipation;
• impaired kidney function;
• visual impairment;
• avitaminosis;
• premature aging;
• decreased immunity;
• disturbances in the work of the nervous system;
• impotence.

Can I eat on an empty stomach and at night

Experts say that you can eat these dried fruits at any time of the day. However, one must take into account the purpose for which they are used. If a person has a problem with constipation, prunes eaten on an empty stomach will help to cope with it. And for those people who want to get rid of a few extra pounds, nutritionists recommend eating these dried fruits instead of dinner. The main thing is not to eat prunes before going to bed.

How much can you eat per day

Doctors say that the daily norm of prunes for an adult is 100 g - this is about 8-12 pcs. This amount should be divided into 3 servings and eat throughout the day with breaks. However, we must not forget that the body of each person has its own characteristics and can respond differently to substances that are contained in these dried fruits. Therefore, it is recommended to start introducing it into the daily diet with one serving, gradually increasing its amount.

Do I need to wash before use

Rinse prunes thoroughly before use. You need to do this in several stages:

1. Purchased prunes must be placed in a container, pour boiling water and leave for 15-20 minutes.
2. After the indicated time, the water should be drained, and the dried fruits should be thoroughly washed under running water.

Doctors say that even the prunes that were prepared at home should be washed. This will prevent the entry of harmful bacteria into the human body.

Interesting facts about prunes

Many people know about the amazing properties of prunes to have a beneficial effect on the human body, but not everyone knows that:

1. Prunes prevent tooth decay and diseases of the oral cavity. This fact was confirmed by scientists.
2. Until the 6th century BC, people did not know not only about the existence of prunes, but also the drain from which it was made. It was during this period that people began to grow varieties suitable for the preparation of these dried fruits.
3. In the days of Tsarist Russia, prunes were available only to kings, their nobles and military leaders. Representatives of other segments of the population did not eat these dried fruits.
4. About how the plum appeared in Europe, 2 legends tell. One of them says that plum trees were brought by Alexander the Great as a valuable trophy. Another legend says that plum trees were delivered to Rome by Great Wrath and spread from there throughout the world.
5. An interesting fact is that today it is not known who first decided to dry the plum fruit and invented prunes.

Prune is one of the most useful treats, and its regular use will help every person get rid of many health problems. The main thing is to follow the recommendations of specialists, do not exceed the daily norm and do not ignore contraindications.

Prune Photo