benefits and harms for the body of women, men, useful properties and contraindications for human health

prunes – This is a dried fruit that is used in cooking, medicine and even in cosmetology. Prunes are obtained by drying the fruit of the plum tree. All the useful substances of the plum are concentrated in this dried fruit. It is widely distributed throughout the world.

In Scandinavia, jelly is made from prunes, which is then used with rice porridge at Christmas. In Norway, it is an ingredient in fruit soup. In the United States, it is often used in the preparation of Danish baking fillings. And in Russia, prunes are most often found in rich compote and in desserts.

General benefits

It can completely stop the spread of cancer cells and cause their apoptosis (cell death). Thus, prunes can be a natural and natural remedy for the treatment of colon cancer and an excellent prophylactic agent.

A 2008 study published in the Korean Journal of Community Nutrition found that adding prunes to food can relieve constipation symptoms. It softens stool, increases the frequency of bowel muscle contraction, and reduces pain. In addition, experts recommend daily consumption of prunes to prevent constipation.

Prunes contain solid, insoluble fiber. It feeds healthy bacteria known as probiotics in the digestive system. These bacteria must exist in large quantities in the intestines in order to maintain a healthy immune system as well as the proper functioning of the digestive tract.

Dried plums lower cholesterol levels more than simple antioxidant effects. The fiber contained in prunes interferes with the absorption of cholesterol into the body. It binds to bile acids, which the liver produces to break down fat, and removes cholesterol from the body.

When it is removed from the body, the liver must create new bile acids – this increases the amount of cholesterol, which leads to a decrease in cholesterol in circulation.

As a result, the walls of the vessels become thin and fragile, they adapt less well to changes in arterial and intravascular pressure and can rupture, leading to bleeding. Calcification affects not only blood vessels and arteries, but also the valves of the heart.

Prunes help prevent calcification of the arteries. In order to overcome calcification, you need to balance the balance of trace elements in the body. This means that you need to consume more magnesium in your food (it is a natural calcium antagonist).

Prunes are rich in magnesium. Due to the high magnesium content in prunes, this dried fruit helps prevent calcification of the arteries.

Some research suggests that vitamin K is an essential nutrient for reducing inflammation. It protects the cells that make up blood vessels, including veins and arteries. Consuming proper vitamin K levels is important to prevent high blood pressure and reduce the chances of cardiac arrest.

A 2014 study published in the Journal of Food Science found that vitamin K intake is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer in the Mediterranean population (where the risk is particularly high).

When certain types of oxygen molecules are allowed to move freely in the body, they cause what is called oxidative damage – or the formation of free radicals.

Free radicals are very harmful to body tissues and are associated with serious health conditions such as cancer and premature aging. Antioxidants work in the body to prevent damage caused by free radicals.

Prunes have been found to target one particular substance called the peroxyl radical. It is considered a “mediator” in the production of some very problematic free radicals, especially those that cause plaque buildup in the body.

It was found that prunes (along with coffee) have a large antioxidant effect on the peroxyl radical and thus prevent the occurrence of diseases that this radical can cause.

The potassium in plums is essential for protecting bones from fracture tendencies. When a person has low potassium levels, their bones can become demineralized, weak, and porous. This increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Osteoporosis is the formation of small holes in the bone or the weakening of bone tissue, which can lead to fractures. Osteoporosis usually occurs in older women over the age of 50.

The main causes of osteoporosis are aging, emotional stress, nutritional deficiencies and hormonal imbalances. Prunes and other foods high in potassium serve as natural treatments for osteoporosis as they help strengthen bones and improve bone formation.

This means that prunes help prevent age-related neurodegenerative disorders, which are natural treatments for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

A 2015 study published in the British Journal of Food Science found that cognitive aging may result from the long-term effects of oxidative stress on neurological processes.

The researchers report that the inclusion of prunes in the diet helps improve some of the symptoms of neurodegenerative conditions.

The results of the study showed that adequate intake of vitamin C reduces the duration of respiratory tract infections, colds, and improves the outcome of pneumonia, malaria and diarrheal infections, especially in children in developing countries.

One of the reasons for the weight loss from prunes is its ability to work as a laxative. It helps in regulating intestinal motility by removing waste from the body. This, in turn, reduces the stress on other organs that flush out toxins and allows them to work to burn fat and generate energy.

Prunes also work as an appetite suppressant, as fiber-containing foods help a person feel full for longer. This means that when you eat prunes, you do not need to snack often between meals, which in turn can help you lose weight.

Benefits for women

Skin Benefits

The presence of vitamin C in prunes is beneficial for the skin. A 2007 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition evaluated more than 4000 women aged 40–74 and found that higher doses of vitamin C reduced the likelihood of wrinkles, dry skin, and naturally slowed aging.

Hair Benefits

Benefits for men

Eating prunes in a man improves stamina, increases sexual activity and reduces the likelihood of premature ejaculation. Anthocyanides and proanthocyanids contained in prunes support the necessary level of testosterone in a man’s body.

Harm and contraindications

However, if you normally eat enough fresh fruits and vegetables, the risk of acrylamide contamination from prunes will be extremely low.

Oxalates are also thought to decrease calcium absorption in some people, resulting in increased kidney calcium levels. Ultimately, this can lead to the formation of small or even large stones in the kidneys and bladder.

Chemical composition of the product

Nutritional information for one serving of prunes (100 g) and percentage of the daily value:

conclusions

Prunes are dried fruits derived from dried plums and are very beneficial for the health of the body.

Prunes are contraindicated in breastfeeding mothers with obesity and diabetes. Be careful when choosing and consuming prunes. Take responsibility for your health. By adhering to the rules outlined above, you can get the maximum benefit for your body from prunes.

Sources of Research

The main studies on the benefits and dangers of prunes have been carried out by foreign doctors and scientists. Below you can find the primary sources of research on the basis of which this article was written:

Additional useful information about prunes

How to use

Sometimes people add prunes to port or brandy to enhance their flavor. Use prunes in chicken, pork, birthday cakes, muffins, and cakes.

How to choose

When choosing prunes, pay attention to the following aspects:

• When buying prunes, look for the one sold in clear packaging to see its condition.
• Dried fruits should be free of mold.
• Before paying for prunes, inspect the packaging to make sure it is tightly closed.
• Check the composition of the product, it should contain only dried prunes.
• Don’t choose prunes that contain preservatives like sulfates.
• A good prune should be firm on the outside and soft on the inside.
• Prunes should be black. If the color of the dried fruit is brown, then it was treated with boiling water, if it is blue, chemicals were added.
• Prunes should have a matte finish. If it shines, then it was treated with glycerin.
• A good prune should be sweet and slightly sour.

How to store

To extend the shelf life of prunes, follow the guidelines below:

• Store prunes in a cool, dark place.
• Store in a glass container with a lid (shelf life up to 12 months), pouches (3–6 months), or ziplock bags (1 month).
• For longer storage of prunes, place them in the freezer.
• Remember to close the prune container tightly after each use.
• Avoid storing prunes next to foods with strong odors.
• If stored in the refrigerator, place the prunes on the door or in the vegetable compartment.

History of occurrence

It was from there that prunes were exported to Europe and other regions of Asia. In 1856, a Frenchman named Louis Pellier, who came to California to search for gold, planted the first plum trees in the United States.

Currently, the largest quantities of prunes in the world are produced in California. This state supplies 70% of the world’s prunes and 99% to the United States.

How is it made

• it should contain a lot of dry matter (about 20%);
• sugar (more than 12%);
• little water and acid (less than 1%);
• fruits should be small, 30–40 g (large ones are more difficult to dry);
• they should have a deep blue color;
• thin gray bloom of wax;
• dense skin (it should not crack);
• small bone.

Interesting Facts

• If you regularly eat French fries, potato chips, if you smoke, then it is better to limit your consumption of prunes.
• From 1 kg of fresh plums, you can get 200-220 g of prunes.
• One of the American gardeners wanted to reduce the cost of growing plums for making prunes. He used monkeys as workers to collect the plums. As a result, he was left without a crop, as the monkeys ate him.
• In ancient times, guilty sinners atoned for their guilt by planting a plum tree.
• Cooks add prunes to minced meat to destroy pathogens.
• Plum blossom allows bees to produce 10 kg of honey per hectare of plum trees.
• Non-drying oil is made from plum seeds, which is used in medicine.
• The Chinese consider prunes to be a symbol of winter.