New Delhi: Prunes, sometimes known as dried plums, have been naturally dried in the sun without being fermented. They can be stored in the cupboard for up to six months or can be kept in the fridge in a sealed container for up to a year. Prunes are also high in potassium, a mineral that aids in the healthy functioning of your muscles, neurons, and heart. Four to five prunes provide approximately 280 mg of potassium or about 12% of your daily required requirement. Thus, they are nutritious food with numerous health benefits.
Here are some health benefits of prunes:
1. Improves Vision:
Prunes are a good source of vitamin A, which is necessary for good vision. One prune contains 3% of the daily required amount of vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency increases the risk of night blindness, dry eyes, macular degeneration, and cataracts.
2. Improves Gut Health:
Prunes are high in both insoluble and soluble fibre. Insoluble fibre aids in the regulation of bowel movements, whereas soluble fibre aids in the regulation of digestion and the absorption of nutrients from food. But, dried plums also contain sorbitol and chlorogenic acid, which can increase stool frequency. Thus, prunes, in moderation, can help you maintain gastrointestinal health by supporting regular bowel motions.
3. Improves Cardiovascular Health:
Foods that are high in potassium and dietary fibre help to maintain the cardiovascular system healthy. Potassium is a vasodilator that is essential for the correct functioning of the neurological system throughout the body. Dietary fibre clears clogged arteries and eliminates extra fat from blood vessels, ensuring proper blood flow to and from the heart. Prunes are high in fibre and potassium, making them an excellent snack for anyone suffering from heart disease.
4. Acts As An Immunity Booster:
The human body has an internal defence mechanism that must be powerful enough to keep it safe from diseases and infections. Prunes include antioxidants and vitamin C, which give the immune system a much-needed boost. Vitamin C is regarded as one of the most potent antioxidants, aiding in the prevention of a variety of physical and internal ailments.
5. Helps To Keep Bone Healthy:
Prunes include a mineral complex that is required for bone structure repair and development. They contain calcium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, and vitamin K, which the body requires to maintain bone density even in old age.