Potential Health Benefits of Prunes
Prunes and plums have similar amounts of vitamins and minerals. Many research, however, focus on dried plums when attempting to validate the favorable effects of eating the fruit.
Gastrointestinal Health Improvement
Prunes are high in both insoluble and soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber aids in the regulation of bowel movements, whereas soluble fiber aids in the regulation of digestion and the absorption of nutrients from food. Dried plums also contain sorbitol and chlorogenic acid, both of which can cause diarrhea.
Antioxidant Protection
Prunes are high in antioxidants, particularly neochlorogenic acid (3-caffeoylquinic acid) and chlorogenic acid (5-caffeoylquinic acid). These may help lower your blood glucose and LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”) levels while also protecting your cells from damage that can lead to disease.
Bone Health Support
According to clinical studies, the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory characteristics of prunes may help prevent bone loss and preserve healthy bone density and development. Prunes have more vitamin K, which helps to improve bone health.