Benefits of Prunes
Often, all it takes is making a few small changes to start reaping the big benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Sunsweet® Prunes are packed full of nutrients and health benefits, which means they’re the snack you can feel good about reaching for.
Discover why Amaz’n Prunes really are a Feel Good Fruit
Bone Health
Prunes have fiber, vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, and polyphenols, which likely work together to help prevent bone loss.
A 2022 study found that eating 5-6 prunes a day over 12 months preserved bone hip mineral density, reduced hip fracture risk and reduced inflammatory mediators in postmenopausal women. Should add reference to studies.
1. De Souza MJ, Strock NCA, Williams NI, Lee H, Koltun KJ, Rogers C, Ferruzzi MG, Nakatsu CH, Weaver C. Prunes preserve hip bone mineral density in a 12-month randomized controlled trial in postmenopausal women: the Prune Study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2022 Jul 7:nqac189. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqac189. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35798020.
2. Hooshmand, et al. Effects of 12 Months Consumption of 100 g Dried Plum (Prunes) on Bone Biomarkers, Density, and Strength in Men. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2022 25:1, 40-47.
3. Arjmandi, et al. Nutrients. Bone-Protective Effects of Dried Plum in Postmenopausal Women: Efficacy and Possible Mechanisms. 2017, 9, 496; doi:10.3390/nu9050496
Weight Control
Amaz!n™ Prunes not only make a sweet and satisfying snack, but have also been shown to promote satiety and help with weight control. At only 100 calories per serving (40 grams or about 4 whole prunes), prunes contain 3 grams of dietary fibre and no fat.
Compared to other dried fruits, prunes are lower in sugar and have a low glycemic index of only 29. This means they are digested and absorbed slowly by the body, which helps to sustain energy over a longer period of time compared to foods with a higher glycemic index.
Heart Health
Adding Amaz!n™ Prunes to the diet can support a healthy heart. Prunes are low in both sodium and fat, and contain 3 grams of dietary fibre in every serving.
A high intake of dietary fibre has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease. A recent study found that eating just 10-12 prunes daily lowered LDL cholesterol levels (the “bad” cholesterol that contributes to plaque build-up) in men.
Digestive Health
One of the most well-known health benefits of Amaz!n™ Prunes is their contribution to digestive health. Prunes and prune juice are naturally a good source of fibre as well as sorbitol, a sugar-like substance similar to glucose.
However, unlike glucose, sorbitol is absorbed slowly into the blood which allows it to hold water, increasing the moisture content of the stools, leading to easier passage from the body. The sorbitol content in prunes, along with a unique combination of nutrients, helps the body regulate digestion.
Healthy Cooking
Prunes’ nutrient properties make them an extremely versatile ingredient. Prunes contain fibre, sorbitol, malic acid, and polyphenols, which allow them to work wonderfully as a natural meat tenderiser, retaining moisture and enhancing savoury flavours.
Pureed prunes can be used as a substitute for fats and in place of refined sugar – both techniques that can reduce calories and add nutrients without compromising flavour.
Easy tips for feeling fabulous
Eat More Fibre
Fibre promotes digestive health, which is vital to overall health and disease prevention. So be sure to include plenty of fibre-rich foods and juices in your diet.
Keep The Water Flowing
Dehydration can lead to headaches, lack of focus, fatigue, constipation and lacklustre skin. Whether you’re drinking water, fruit juice, or getting fluids from fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, they all count toward the recommended eight glasses of water a day.
Keep Moving
Did you know that by taking the stairs instead of the escalator you’re burning five times as many calories? And regular physical activity not only revs up your metabolism, it helps promote digestive health by keeping you “regular.”
Take Five
Soothe away stress before it gets to you by listening to calming music or simply phoning a friend to catch up. And don’t forget to compliment yourself for the little accomplishments made every day!
Don’t just take our word for it. See what makes Amaz!n Prunes so great.
Healthy Snack
Prunes are packed full of fiber – 2.8g per 40g serving (4-5 prunes), which is about a quarter of your daily needs.
They also contain carbohydrates, which help to maintain normal brain function and sorbitol which further facilitates normal bowel function.
Nature’s multivitamin
Prunes are rich in micronutrients, such as potassium and magnesium which help your body perform at its best.
Containing only 9g of sugar per 4-5 prunes, Sunsweet Amaz!n Prunes are a healthy snack that also help to maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels.