Smoked prunes: benefits and harms. Prunes and their benefits and harm to the body, tips for use and delicious recipes

Dried fruits have the ability to provide complex impact on the human body. Regular consumption of them normalizes the performance of internal organs and strengthens the immune system. Nutritionists, cosmetologists and doctors talk about the benefits of prunes. Based on the opinions of experts from different industries, we can conclude that dried plums, due to their composition, are identical pharmaceutical drugs prescribed for the prevention of certain diseases.

Composition and calorie content of prunes

To prepare dried fruits, high quality and fully ripe fruits are used. Prunes differ slightly in composition from fresh plums, and according to some properties they are considered healthier. Dried fruits are used in different types, and their taste properties are universal. They are used to make delicious compotes, medicinal decoctions, make desserts, complement baked goods, salads or meat dishes.

100 g of dried plums contain:

carbohydrates – 57.6 g;
fats – 0.6 g;
proteins – 2.4 g;
energy value – 240 Kcal.

Includes:

vitamins of various categories;
Sahara;
organic acids;
cellulose;
manganese;
potassium;
calcium;
selenium;
fluorine;
sodium;
iron;
zinc.

Which prunes are good for you?

When buying dried plums, you need to pay attention to some nuances. For the production of dried fruits, fruits of a certain degree of maturity are selected. If the production technology is violated, then prunes will not be beneficial for the body, and their purchase will be a meaningless transfer of funds. In some cases, consuming low-quality plums can be harmful to health.

How to choose prunes:

when dried, plums lose moisture, turn black and wrinkle (this is the traditional appearance);
surface good dried fruits always matte, uniform color (a brown tint indicates the use of boiling water, a glossy sheen indicates the use of glycerin, such fruits will not be useful);
chemical treatment reduces the beneficial properties of prunes;
When tasting dried plums, no bitterness should be felt;
the fruits should not stain your fingers.

You can store dried fruits using any container with a lid. Plastic bags It is better not to use (condensation will cause mold). The place chosen is cool and dark. The general shelf life ranges from 6 months to a year. If the prunes were purchased in a sealed bag, then after opening it, you need to move the dry plums into a container or jar with a lid.

Medicinal properties

For normal functioning of the cardiovascular system, it is necessary to regularly replenish the supply of useful elements in the body. Dried fruits cope with this task most effectively. Due to their potassium content, dried fruits help improve the functioning of the heart muscle. It is recommended to use them in the presence of angina pectoris, pulse irregularities, low blood pressure or established diagnoses heart diseases.

What are the benefits of prunes for the cardiovascular system:

negative environmental factors can weaken the immune system of a healthy person, vitamins from prunes normalize the immune system;
has a diuretic property (with diseases of the heart or blood vessels, edema is not uncommon);
vitamins contained in fruits normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
B vitamins provide preventive effect on the body to prevent diseases of the cardiovascular system;
dietary fiber helps eliminate toxins or waste (prevents the formation of blood clots in blood vessels);
magnesium normalizes blood pressure.

The benefits of prunes

Dried plums are used for the treatment and prevention of many diseases, not only in medicine, dietetics, but also in cosmetology. Dried fruits have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, help cleanse the body of harmful substances, improve the appearance of the skin, and increase vitality. This product has bactericidal properties and normalizes blood pressure. It is recommended to use it in case of digestive problems, excess weight, pregnancy and healthy people to improve their general condition.

For weight loss

Dried fruits are rich in calories, but they are among the foods that help fight overweight. When following a diet, it is recommended to consume 4-5 dried plums throughout the day. In this case, meals should be fractional and balanced. You cannot use prunes for weight loss if you are diagnosed with diabetes or obesity. In other cases, the product will help reduce body weight.

What are the benefits of prunes for weight loss?

normalization of blood sugar levels;
food saturation occurs quickly;
normalization of cholesterol levels;
acting as an antidepressant;
cleansing the intestines of harmful substances.

For constipation

Prunes are considered one of the most effective natural laxatives. Constipation is caused by a lack of fluid or fiber. Dried fruits replenish the body's supply of nutrients, improving stool. In terms of effectiveness, they are not inferior to pharmaceutical drugs. The main rule for their use is moderation. If you overeat, there will be a negative effect on the body, diarrhea will appear.

In what form to eat prunes for constipation:

4-5 fruits before dinner;
prune compote throughout the day;
crushed dried fruits, one teaspoon at a time before the evening meal.

During pregnancy

During the period of gestation, a pregnant woman needs an increased amount of vitamins and beneficial elements. Prunes are contraindicated in cases of significant weight gain or high content blood sugar. Without the presence of such factors, eating it is not only possible, but also necessary. Excessive introduction of dried fruits into the diet has a negative effect on the body. Side effects stool problems or an allergic reaction occur.

Benefits of prunes during pregnancy:

normalization of intestinal muscles (disorders arise due to hormonal changes);
prevention of anemia and vitamin deficiency (traditional companions of pregnancy);
eliminating constipation, normalizing the digestion process;
enriching the body with organic acids, vitamins, and beneficial microelements.

Contraindications

The consumption of prunes is prohibited in in rare cases. The main contraindication is individual intolerance components or availability allergic reaction for all types of dried fruits. It is not recommended to introduce dried plums into the diet of women throughout the entire period of lactation. Negative consequence may arise eating disorder at the baby.

Prunes are contraindicated if available the following diseases:

obesity (fruits contain large amounts of sugar);
hypotension(dried plums lower blood pressure);
diabetes mellitus (due to the presence of sugar).

Excessive use Prunes lead to diarrhea, an increase in blood sugar (as a result, problems with excess weight may arise), allergies or abnormalities in the digestive system. You should not feed your baby dried plums. It is better to replace them with compote, which is not inferior to dill water in its properties to weaken the intestines.

Video about the beneficial properties of prunes

On store shelves you can find a huge number of different dried fruits, including ours familiar products, and various exotic “things”. All of them can benefit the body, saturating it with certain beneficial substances, and even helping to prevent and cure various pathological conditions. Prunes are considered one of the most common dried fruits. It has an attractive taste and is also a source of many useful elements. Let's talk about the benefits of prunes for the human body in a little more detail.

What is the value of prunes? Fruit composition

Prunes contain a number of vitamin elements necessary for the full functioning of many organs and systems of the body. Among these substances are nicotinic and ascorbic acids, thiamine and carotene, as well as vitamin PP. It also contains significant amount minerals that take Active participation throughout chemical processes inside our body. Among these elements there is especially a lot of sodium and magnesium, as well as calcium and phosphorus. Like fresh plums, prunes contain a lot of sugars, including fructose, glucose, and sucrose. In addition, it contains a significant amount of acids - citric, oxalic, etc.

The many beneficial qualities of this dried fruit are determined by the presence in its composition of tannic and pectin elements, as well as a number of nitrogenous substances and fiber.

What are prunes valued for? Benefits of the fruit

Doctors often advise taking this product to women expecting the birth of a child, as it can prevent the development of anemia and hypovitaminosis, while perfectly replacing tablet vitamin preparations. However, consumption of berries should be moderate, and before taking them you should make sure that there are no allergic reactions.

Prunes are enough high-calorie product, but if taken adequately in food, it cannot cause a set of excess weight. This fruit will saturate the body with energy and give a person a lot of additional strength.

Consumption of prunes has a positive effect on activity digestive tract. So, if you suffer from stomach ailments or want to prevent their development, you should eat five of these berries every day. Among other things, such nutrition will help optimize the course of metabolic processes throughout the body. Normal functioning of the stomach and intestines, as well as excellent metabolism, will help you lose excess weight with almost no effort, and will also lead to overall health of the body.

Doctors say that prunes also have quite powerful antibacterial properties. Its consumption helps slow down the growth of bacteria in oral cavity and even eliminate them completely.

IN last years the consumption of such dried fruit has increased several times, as information about its usefulness is disseminated among the population through the media and word of mouth. Such a remedy may well be used as an effective medicine for early stages cardiovascular diseases. In this case, prunes optimize blood pressure and also remarkably strengthen the walls of various blood vessels throughout the body.

The prune itself, as well as the infusion based on the fruit, is proven and very effective means from constipation. Even just eating such fruits will help you forget about such a delicate problem forever. That is why prunes are especially popular among women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, because at this time the problem of constipation worries them especially acutely.

This dried fruit will also be beneficial for other people. complex diseases. So experts strongly advise including it in your diet if you suffer from liver or kidney diseases, as well as rheumatism. Consumption of prunes can effectively prevent the development of atherosclerosis and even help cure this common and at the same time quite dangerous disease.

Systematic intake of this fruit helps prevent the development of caries. And after entering the stomach, it helps to significantly reduce the number of harmful and opportunistic bacteria, stimulating the restoration of normal intestinal flora and eliminating dysbiosis.

Doctors strongly advise patients who suffer from various cancer diseases to consume prunes. In this case, such a product effectively cleanses the body of excess unnecessary bile, as well as urine. Useful elements in its composition remarkably optimize transmission nerve impulses, besides, they are doing a good job acid-base balance in organism.

Prunes contain many elements that destroy free radicals, so they useful qualities include both good anti-aging effects and protection against cancer.

It is worth considering that consuming prunes in certain cases can harm the body. So you shouldn’t get carried away with it if you suffer from obesity or diabetes. It is not advisable to eat such fruit even at the stage breastfeeding, as it can cause colic or stomach upset in the baby. Also be sure to consider that when producing prunes on an industrial scale, they can be treated with chemicals for longer storage.

Prunes are the same plums (Hungarian or Renklod), but in dried form. This is the most popular known dried fruit. Already from the age of six months, it is recommended to eat prunes, the beneficial properties and wonderful taste of which have made them a universal product. And not only in cooking.

Characteristics of prunes

Energy value

In terms of energy value (calorie content), prunes lead among most fresh fruits. But he wins comparison with such " healthy sweets", like honey, marshmallows, marshmallows. It contains 100 kcal less. Therefore, dried plums are often used as a substitute for sweets to reduce weight.

100 g of prunes contain about 250 kcal. Picture of its energy value:

2.3 g protein (approximately 9 kcal),
0.7 g fat (6 kcal),
57.5 g carbohydrates (230 kcal).

About the nutritional value of prunes

Nutritional value is distributed per 100 g of product in the following way(in grams):

saccharides (glucose, fructose, sucrose) – 56.9,
water – 25,
dietary fiber – 9,
organic acids (malic, oxalic, citric) – 3.5,
starch – 0.6,
fatty saturated and unsaturated acids– 0.1 each.

Vitamins (in mg):

C – 3,
E – 1.8,
RR – 1.7,
B2 – 0.1,
beta-carotene – 0.06,
B1 – 00.2,
A – 10 mcg.

Minerals (in mg):

potassium – 864,
magnesium – 102,
phosphorus – 83,
calcium – 80,
sodium – 10,
iron – 3,
zinc – 0.54,
copper – 424 mcg,
selenium – 2.3 mcg.

The berries contain pectin, nitrogenous and tannin substances, as well as other ingredients vital for the body.

Method for obtaining prunes

To obtain high-quality prunes, juicy and ripe fruits are selected. They are then subjected to:

blanching in boiling water
cooling in running water,
steam drying.

As a result, its beneficial properties are completely preserved.

To obtain 1 kg of prunes, use 5 kg of black plums. Its production is widespread in the countries where this berry grows. These include America, Argentina, France. The highest quality and most expensive prunes from California (USA).

Properties of prunes

Prunes, the benefits and harms of which are well known, can be used most effectively for medicinal purposes.

Effect of prunes on human health

It is very important that dried plum retains all the beneficial components that it is rich in fresh berry. Prunes inhibit the growth of pathogens such as salmonella and E. coli. The presence of pectin and fiber cleanses blood vessels from cholesterol plaques and improves the functioning of the digestive system. Antioxidants suppress free radicals that have a destructive effect on the body. This explains the rejuvenating effect of the berry and its ability to participate in the prevention of cancer.

Vitamin A improves vision and skin condition. The choleretic and diuretic effect of prunes is to normalize metabolism. This is beneficial for kidney diseases, gout, rheumatism, psoriasis. Prunes give good effect for thrombophlebitis, as it helps reduce blood clotting. The high calorie content of the product gives the body a lot of energy.

Prunes are especially useful for pregnant women who are prone to constipation or have difficulties with intestinal function. The presence of a line of B vitamins in berries has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system. This effect is expressed in reducing anxiety and preventing stress. Potassium provides powerful support to the heart: there is 1.5 times more of it in prunes than in bananas (a recognized source of potassium).

Solving specific health problems

Official medicine recognizes the beneficial properties of prunes for human health. The variety of its beneficial effects is amazing:

delicately cleanses the body of toxins,
relieves constipation,
helps with diseases of the oral cavity, has a detrimental effect on pathogenic microorganisms, protects against caries,
improves blood circulation,
brings blood pressure to normal levels,
strengthens the heart muscle (due to the presence of potassium),
increases hemoglobin in the blood (iron effect),
helps fight cancer (due to the content of phytonutrients),
increases performance,
rejuvenates the body (due to antioxidants),
fights vitamin deficiency,
improves memory,
increases potency,
cleanses the skin.

Risk group

Despite the obvious benefits of prunes, they have contraindications. Eating dried fruit can lead to problems with:

overweight,
diabetes mellitus,
allergies to the product,
breastfeeding (to avoid causing stomach upset infant); starting from six months, the baby can be given prune compote.

Also, people suffering from chronic liver and stomach diseases should not get carried away with prunes.

Some people suffer from flatulence and bloating after eating prunes. This is due to the combination of dietary fiber with fructose. This phenomenon is recognized as individual intolerance, which is the reason for excluding the product from the diet. In addition, prunes are often processed chemically, which makes it simply harmful. Thus, it is not superfluous to know that prunes (the benefits and harm from them) do not always manifest themselves in the same way, although the benefits outweigh many times over.

Wise choice of prunes

To bring dried fruit maximum benefit, you need to competently select high-quality berries.

Definition of this product

Distinctive features of good prunes:

whole, fleshy and slightly soft fruits,
absence of rot and mold,
black color,
sweet taste with a slight sourness (such berries contain a maximum of vitamin C),
lack of bitterness.

Dried prunes with pits retain more useful components. To check the quality of prunes, you need to soak them for 30 minutes. Real prunes will turn white in some places. The treated one will retain a uniform color.

Purchased prunes must be scalded with boiling water. Then, after soaking, rinse under running water. Dried berries do not tolerate moisture. It is better to store them in glass jar, paper bag or plastic container. The container should be in the refrigerator.

Signs of harmful processing of dried fruit

The shiny, dark gray color of prunes (the fruits look “fat”) means they have been treated with glycerin. It is made to improve the presentation of dried fruit. It can also shine after treatment with an unknown fat. Often sellers lubricate dried fruit vegetable oil for shine. But this method of processing promotes the growth of bacteria.

The coffee tint of prunes appears after scalding with boiling water. IN best case scenario, there are practically no vitamins left in it. Manufacturers perform this “operation” to disinfect dried fruit and extend its shelf life. The brown tint is not the only drawback of this treatment. The berry also tastes bitter.

The most harmful treatment is sulfur dioxide (E220), which is a toxic inorganic compound that kills bacteria. Such fruits do not attract insects. In the human body Chemical substance irritates the mucous membranes of the digestive system. This type of processing preserves the original color of the dried fruit. When dried naturally, the berries will definitely darken.

Areas of application of prunes

Features of using prunes in cooking

Cooks love this product very much, as it adds a unique taste to completely different dishes. It is consumed both independently and as part of many drinks and dishes. And it’s simply impossible to imagine a compote or a meat dish without it. Adding prunes to pilaf increases the calorie content of this dish and gives it a piquant taste. It goes well with any meat - beef, chicken.

The most delicious meat dish is considered domestic duck. It is stuffed with apples and prunes and cooked in the oven. This dish will decorate anyone festive table. This dried fruit is very good as a filling for pies, cakes, candies and other confectionery products. Puff rolls filled with prunes and pieces of marmalade have a wonderful taste.

It should be remembered that prunes are not always combined with fibrous products, for example, bran, chicory, apples. A person with strong digestion can afford this mixture. Dried plums are most beneficial to eat on an empty stomach or with dairy foods. But you can’t eat the main course with it. Otherwise, it will stimulate indigestion, gas formation, and bloating.

Health Recipes

In many pharmaceuticals Contains prune extract for constipation. But you can prepare a healing remedy yourself. This is an infusion of prunes. Dry berries (6 pcs.) Wash and pour well before going to bed boiled water(1 cup).

The next morning, drink the infusion and eat the berries. This infusion is often recommended to be consumed at night. And along with a glass of kefir. This supports microflora and improves the quality of intestinal cleansing.

Prune sweets help with constipation. You will need:

prunes (6 pcs.),
figs (6 pcs.),
coriander seeds (1 tsp).

Mix everything well. Divide the mass into equal doses (for example, a tablespoon) and put in the refrigerator. A few “candies” provide relief from constipation.

In the off-season, a biological tonic helps to cope with vitamin deficiency. Take 100 g and mix:

prunes,
dried apricots,
raisin,
walnuts,
honey (to taste).

It is useful to eat this mixture before meals in the morning and in the evening, 1 tbsp. l. With this tonic, the body will be systematically replenished with vitamins and minerals.

Calluses are treated with prunes: the berries are poured with hot milk. When they are soaked, the seeds are removed. The berry, which has not yet cooled down, is applied to the calluses. When it cools down, it is replaced with a new, hot one. This procedure should be repeated as often as possible.

The antiseptic properties of prunes help fight caries. To prevent it, it is enough to chew 2-3 berries thoroughly before going to bed. A decoction of dried fruit treats purulent skin diseases. To do this, apply it at night warm compresses to sore spots. Due to the ability to draw out pus, this method is good for treating acne.

Prunes for beauty

The dietary properties of dried fruit help to remove extra pounds, despite the fact that prunes have a high calorie content. It needs to be eaten correctly. If you feel hungry, you should take a dried plum into your mouth and slowly dissolve it until you feel full. This way you can cope with hunger and at the same time consume a minimum number of calories. To saturate the body, it is enough to eat 5-6 fruits a day.

Nutritionists advise combining prunes with vegetables, for example, boiled beets, grated fresh carrots. Low-fat kefir or lemon juice are suitable as a dressing (sugar and salt are strictly unacceptable). Regular correct usage prunes the most in a positive way affects the condition of the skin. She becomes healthy, radiant and elastic. Improved bowel function contributes to this result.

The exceptionally beneficial qualities of prunes make it an excellent dietary product in a healthy diet. And the content of biologically active components does not limit this dried fruit only as a treat. It is deservedly used as a natural medicine.

Prunes - benefits and contraindications

Among the delicious and healthy treats Prunes occupy a special place. Not disappearing from store shelves all year round, it has a large following and is often present on our tables.

What are prunes? This is the fruit of the Hungarian plum, blanched in hot water and dried in steam, characterized by a sweet taste, juiciness and fleshiness. Most often, prunes are used for culinary purposes. It is eaten as an independent delicacy, added to desserts, salads, main courses, jams are prepared with it, and compote is also made.

This wonderful product can be consumed little by little by babies from the age of 6 months, and adults need to include it in their menu at least several times a week, because its benefits for the human body are simply priceless.

Composition and calorie content

Despite heat treatment, prunes retain all the basic properties fresh fruit, and even surpasses it in terms of the content of useful components. In addition, the healing properties of dried fruit make it popular in folk medicine - treatment based on the consumption of prunes turns out to be very effective and helps eliminate the symptoms of certain diseases.

The benefit of prunes lies in its balanced and rich composition. Product contains:

vitamins provitamin A, B1, B2 (riboflavin), C, PP, beta-carotene;
microelements (potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron);
organic acids (oxalic, citric, malic, salicylic);
sugars (fructose, sucrose, glucose)
vegetable fiber
pectin substances
sorbitol and defenilisatin

It has been proven that this medicinal fruit is one of the healthiest and most necessary products for our body. It is enough to eat only 5-6 dried fruits per day to recharge your energy and get daily norm vitamins

Excessive use of it will harm the figure, which should be kept in mind by those who are constantly struggling with extra pounds. The fruit is high in calories - 100 g. contains 244 kcal, so it is better to combine it with raw carrots, boiled beets or low-fat kefir.

Prunes: benefits and harm to the body

Plum lovers are very lucky, because, unlike other fruits, it can be consumed all year round, only in dried form. But that doesn't matter taste qualities, let alone vitamins are not going anywhere. Prunes, the benefits and harms of which have been studied for quite some time, contain a huge amount of vitamins and minerals. It can be used by everyone without exception, because not only is it healthy, but its taste is simply amazing. So what are prunes?

The benefits and harms to the body of this product are not equal, because it has many more advantages than disadvantages. Let's figure out what its composition is?

Composition of prunes

Not all berries and fruits can boast such an abundance of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances. Moreover, it contains as much fiber as almost no other product.

Vitamins

Vitamin A - fat-soluble vitamin, which is necessary for bones, teeth, vision. It also has a beneficial effect on our immune system, hair, nails, skin and delays the aging process.
Vitamin C is necessary for us to fight wrinkles and give elasticity to the skin. Maintains the level of hemoglobin and iron in our body, participates in the metabolism of cholesterol, normalizing it in the blood. Vitamin C helps us fight stress and colds faster.
Vitamin PP – participates in redox processes and tissue growth. Converts fats and sugar into energy, reduces cholesterol in the blood. Also protects against cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, thrombosis. Restores the nervous system, treats migraines. Vitamin PP fights diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Very important for the synthesis of hemoglobin and the formation of red blood cells.
Vitamin B – supports the digestive system, participates in the formation of energy, the process of processing carbohydrates and fats, amino acids, ensures healthy skin, nervous system, blood, fights infectious diseases, anemia.

Minerals

Potassium is essential for the functioning of all body systems.
Magnesium – fights anemia.
Iron is needed for the development and growth of bones and teeth.
Phosphorus - participates in all biochemical reactions body.
Calcium – maintains healthy teeth and bones, affects muscle contraction.

Prunes also contain fiber, which is necessary for proper operation gastrointestinal tract, and pectin, needed by the body to get rid of heavy metals, toxins, waste, radionuclides.

Phytonutrients and carotenoids are also found in prunes. They protect our body from various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases.

Benefit

Dried prunes, the benefits and harms of which have long been known in medicine, are prescribed for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular for regular constipation. This is due to the fiber and sorbitol present in its composition, which acts as a mild laxative.

Constant consumption of prunes in food will restore the normal metabolic process, as well as the functioning of the liver and kidneys. Just a few pieces a day are enough to normalize blood pressure and also prevent vascular diseases.

Prunes, the benefits and harms of which have long been known to nutritionists, are prescribed in the case of a diet for weight gain, since the berry allows you to more actively produce gastric juice and, accordingly, increase appetite.

If you dissolve prunes in your mouth for a while, this will get rid of microorganisms accumulated in the oral cavity, as well as remove inflammation on the gums and teeth.

Prunes also contain antibacterial substances that stop the spread of infectious bacteria in the body, and also resist coli and salmonella.

Prunes are also well used in the kitchen. It can easily return a fresh taste to meat, and the berry should simply be added to the meat dish.

Harm and contraindications

No matter how much I would like to, this topic still has to be touched upon. Along with many beneficial properties, prunes can still cause harm, especially for diabetics. It is contraindicated for such a group of people, since it great content sugars

In addition, prunes are losing out in industrial terms. It is more advisable to prepare it yourself, and you can be sure that it will not harm you in any way. But if you decide to buy prunes on the market, you should be extremely careful. First of all, you need to look at the “wrapper”.

The whole point is that some unscrupulous producers treat their crops with sulfur dioxide in order to get more fruit and get rid of the insects that spoil them. But that is not all. Before going on sale, prunes undergo another bad treatment - glycerin. This is done so that the berry shines and shimmers in the sun. It is also sometimes subjected to artificial coloring. Do you think such prunes will help our body? The benefits and harms in this case are clear, so the berry should be wrinkled and “ugly”, and the taste should not be very pronounced. This will be natural prunes.

Is it possible to give prunes to children?

Of course, prunes themselves are very valuable. The benefits and harms for children, however, are a separate topic. For very small babies, this product is not very useful due to its laxative effect, so it is better to avoid it for up to six months.

A completely different question is if the child suffers from constipation (and has already reached 4 months of age), in which case it is more advisable to give him prune compote, decoction or infusion.

To do this, take a few berries and wash them under running water. Pour in one glass of water and boil for a few minutes. Next, leave for about an hour. Give the baby a teaspoon in the daytime.

If the baby is older, then you can prepare him a delicious puree. To do this, fill a few pieces with water and leave overnight. In the morning, pour out the liquid and boil the prunes for a few minutes until tender. Pass through a meat grinder or grind in a blender - and healthy puree ready.

Berry for nursing mothers

If present desire If you eat prunes, you can try it, but you should start with small doses in order to check the baby’s reaction. Try eating one prune on the first day. If the baby does not express dissatisfaction after your meal, is not capricious and wears diapers normally, then the next day you can increase the dose by exactly one berry, and so on up to 4 pieces per day.

If the mother is constipated, then in this situation you should also act quite carefully. First, start with one berry and continue until you achieve the desired result, but do not forget to monitor the child’s reaction, because prunes are quite aggressive towards the children’s intestines.

To prepare a medicine for constipation, a nursing mother should take several pieces of prunes and pour boiling water over them. Let it brew overnight. Drink the liquid in which the berries were infused and eat the berries. You can also cook prune compote or prepare an infusion, and after the baby is 4 months old, you can give it to him to try.

Many doctors do not recommend that nursing mothers eat prunes if their babies react poorly to the product eaten by their mother. But everything is individual, rely only on your maternal intuition, it will definitely tell you what to do in a given situation, how to properly take this wonderful product - prunes.

Benefits and harms during pregnancy

Everyone knows very well that during pregnancy you should limit yourself to various sweets, but those who have had to deal with this know that this is quite difficult, especially if the body of the expectant mother requires it. Therefore, it is more advisable to replace sweets with prunes.

It is an excellent prevention of bleeding gums and caries, which very often happens during pregnancy.

Also, prunes, the benefits and harms of which have been known since ancient times, are used for constipation in pregnant women, anemia, vitamin deficiency, and to strengthen the immune system. It can be added to various dishes, cooked compotes, made decoctions and infusions.

These prunes are so healthy!

Benefit and harm. Calorie content. Do berries help with weight loss?

Calorie content of this product is 244 kcal per 100 g of product, so it definitely cannot serve as a fat burner, and it is also not worth replacing your entire diet with it. But you can still achieve significant results with the help of prunes by combining their use with sports and adding them to various dishes (porridge, salads, cocktails). If you decide to lose weight and use this product in your diet, then there is also a twist here. It serves as an excellent snack, but you should eat no more than two pieces (5-6 per day).

It will be very useful to drink a glass of prune decoction in the morning so as not to feel discomfort in the stomach throughout the day. And these are not all the qualities that prunes have.

The benefits and harms of this berry for weight loss, as mentioned above, are clear, therefore, if you want this tasty product to provide beneficial influence on your figure and body as a whole, then choose “ugly” and lackluster prunes. And remember that everything should have its own measure, do not abuse it - and you will achieve excellent results.

Prunes - benefits and harm. What are the benefits of prunes?

The modern abundance of dried fruits lying on the shelves is simply amazing. However, among all this wealth, one stands out, not losing the respect and love of customers. This is a well-known prune - a delicious delicacy and a very valuable product from a nutritional point of view. The exquisite taste with characteristic sourness and the benefits of prunes have made it popular all over the world. People began growing plums, from which prunes are made, and drying them quite a long time ago - around the 6th century BC.

But in Russia, plums began to be grown only in the 17th century, when several seedlings of this tree were brought from Asia. Although several hundred varieties of plums are known, only one variety is used for drying - Hungarian. It is this variety that produces juicy, fleshy, ovoid-elongated and aromatic fruits, from which first-class dried fruit is obtained. This variety was called "Hungarian" due to the fact that in the 19th century the plum was the main fruit tree of Hungary. To speed up the production of dried fruits, they even developed a special harvesting technology - ripe fruits were not removed from the branches, but waited until they fell to the ground, slightly withered and wrinkled.

Chemical composition

The exceptional benefits of prunes are due to the abundance of valuable substances and vitamins contained in them: these are organic acids (oxalic, citric, especially a lot of malic acid), and fiber, and pectin substances, as well as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron. In terms of potassium content, prunes are 1.5 times higher than bananas. Prunes contain healthy sugars- fructose, sucrose, glucose (at least 57%) and a whole set of vitamins - A, the entire group of vitamins B, C, PP. The energy value of the product per 100 g is 231 kcal.

Harm and benefits of prunes

Beneficial features

Prunes are very useful for anemia and vitamin deficiency. Prunes have antibacterial properties, so it is recommended to take them instead of harmful chemicals for infectious diseases and other ailments. Prunes are useful for gastrointestinal diseases. With the help of this dried fruit you can cure constipation - just 5-6 berries a day, and the problem is solved. However, prunes are useful for any discomfort in the stomach. In addition, prunes have a choleretic and diuretic effect, and effectively cleanse the body. By regularly eating prunes, you can significantly reduce the risk of hypertension, heart disease, and gastrointestinal tract diseases.

Prunes also increase secretion gastric juice and increases appetite, so it is often included in diets aimed at weight gain. When eating prunes, metabolism is normalized and the body is generally strengthened. The benefits of prunes and their ability to preserve freshness and enrich the taste of meat dishes are well known to many housewives who use this dried fruit to prepare mouth-watering and savory dishes. Truly, it is impossible to resist baked lamb and veal, rabbit and poultry, soaked in the sour-sweet taste and heady aroma of prunes, against the melt-in-your-mouth delicacy - prunes in chocolate, against delicious compotes, jelly and cocktails... Any dish that contains prunes becomes a real decoration for the holiday table.

The benefits and harms of bananas for women Dried figs - the benefits and harms for the body

Oct-17-2016

What are prunes?

Who among us doesn’t like dishes with prunes? This is a rhetorical question, and it will be all the more pleasant to learn about the benefits of your favorite dried fruit.

Prune is the name given to the dried fruit of the black plum. The best fruits for drying are the Hungarian Italian plum variety, which differs from its ancestor cherry plum. high content sugar and hard pulp. It is these qualities that make it possible to dry the fruits of this plum without the use of any enzymes and obtain excellent prunes.

To obtain prunes, ripe and juicy fruits are selected, then they are blanched, cooled in running water, and then dried in steam dryers. After drying, the prunes are cooled, sorted and immersed in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, and then treated with glycerin - this gives the prunes a characteristic shine.

What are prunes, the benefits and harms of dried plums for the human body are of great interest to people who conduct healthy image life, monitor their health, and are interested in traditional methods treatment. So we will try to answer questions that interest this category of people.

Compound:

Prunes are unique in that when dried they retain the valuable substances that fresh plums are so rich in.

Prunes contain glucose, sucrose and fructose, from 9 to 17%, as well as various organic acids - citric, malic, oxalic and even a small amount of salicylic acid.

Prune pulp contains nitrogenous and tannins, it is rich in vitamins P, A, C, B1 and B2.

Among the minerals, prunes contain a lot of potassium, iron and phosphorus.

The calorie content of prunes is quite high - 264 kcal per 100 grams of product.

Beneficial features:

Prunes are very useful product. Possessing excellent taste, it provides healing and healing effect on the body. The beneficial properties of prunes are determined by its healing composition.

Thus, prunes contain minerals, vitamins and many substances vital for the body.

Dried plums are rich in sugars (57.8%), organic acids (3.5%), fiber (1.6%), minerals - sodium in it is 104 mg%, potassium - 864 mg%, calcium - 80 mg%, phosphorus - 83 mg%, iron - 15 mg%. Has high energy value.

Prunes are useful for treating the early stages of cardiovascular diseases, help normalize blood pressure in hypertension, regulate the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, normalize metabolism, and promote weight loss.

Dried plum is rich in antioxidants, it absorbs free radicals that destroy the body. This is great prevention oncological diseases.

Prunes have good antibacterial properties and is not inferior in efficiency medical drugs: it slows down growth and even has a detrimental effect on bacteria that cause oral diseases.

Perhaps the first thing that dried plums have a beneficial effect on is the gastrointestinal tract. Prune infusion helps relieve constipation and normalize the digestive system. In addition, this dried fruit is believed to be useful for kidney diseases, rheumatism, liver diseases and atherosclerosis. And thanks high concentration vitamin A, it also improves vision.

Prunes have tonic properties, restore decreased performance, improve general state body. Also, it has good cosmetic properties, so it can improve the appearance and condition of the skin.

Dried plums are rich in potassium, which is known to be used for urolithiasis, takes part in the transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction, maintaining cardiac activity and acid-base balance in organism. The potassium contained in prunes helps reduce blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke. Under the influence of potassium, bile secretion and urine excretion from the body increase.

Dried plum finds enough wide application for certain intestinal diseases accompanied by constipation, gout, damage to the liver, kidneys and heart, to increase appetite and secretion of gastric juice.

Prunes are included in many dishes and drinks - salads, meat dishes, pilaf, compotes. It helps maintain the freshness of meat and reduces the growth of salmonella, staphylococcus and E. coli by up to 90%.

Contraindications:

Prunes can cause harm only if they are abused for diabetes and obesity. It is also not recommended for nursing mothers, since infants Prunes can cause stomach upset. Additionally, in rare cases, a person may be allergic to prunes. But this all applies only to natural prunes not treated with chemicals.

What are the benefits of prunes:

For women:

Is this dried fruit good for women? Definitely useful!

According to American scientists, eating 100 g of prunes daily can prevent bone fragility. This is especially important for older women approaching menopause, when the development of osteoporosis is most likely.

To strengthen bones and prevent their fragility, prunes have the “complete package”. Thus, the boron contained in dried fruit, in combination with the calcium and vitamin D found there, helps preserve bone mass.

Carrying a child forces the expectant mother to be careful with all foods and dishes due to hormonal changes body during this period. Dried plum is included in the list of permitted plums, providing benefits during pregnancy with its rich vitamin and mineral composition. This is due to:

Maintaining general good condition of the physical and moral sphere;
Gentle elimination of problems with stool, often accompanied by women during this period;
Normalization of metabolic processes in the body;
The presence of potassium, which eliminates swelling and prevents its occurrence;
Help in preventing the occurrence of anemia and vitamin deficiency;
Normalization of blood pressure. Prunes are useful during pregnancy because they improve the condition of the skin, eliminating emerging problems such as inflammation and acne. In addition, this dried fruit is an excellent diuretic and choleretic agent, as well as protection from harmful environmental factors.

For men:

Dried fruits, like honey and nuts, are an excellent and irreplaceable source of men's health. By eating them, men will be able to increase their sexual activity and stamina, avoid premature ejaculation without using medications.

Potency largely depends on the replenishment of the body with such necessary elements How:

amino acids;
iron;
fatty acid;
vitamins of groups A, B, C, PP, which are found in large quantities in dried fruits.

Prunes, in addition to the listed components, are rich in potassium and calcium. The percentage of these elements is 1.5 times higher than their presence in bananas (which are practically saturated with them) and in fresh fruits.

Prunes are useful for older men, who can often suffer from degenerative changes in nerve fibers caused by tissue aging. By consuming a mixture prepared on the basis of honey, nuts, and prunes, you can achieve maximum efficient work male genital organs.

For the intestines:

Are prunes good for the intestines? Dried plums are still successfully used today for treatment. various ailments. First of all, we're talking about about diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. So, for example, if you eat 4-5 prunes every day, you can normalize the acidity of the stomach, get rid of gastritis and ulcers, and also restore intestinal function.

If you have indigestion, you should use a decoction of prunes, for the preparation of which 300 g of dried fruits with seeds must be poured into 1.5 liters cold water, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes. The cooled decoction should be taken 200 ml on an empty stomach 3 times a day.

After just a day of such treatment, you can forget about intestinal colic and spasms, and after a week completely normalize the functioning of this important organ by cleansing it of toxins. Plus, with the help of prune decoction in a simple way you can get rid of excess weight, since this drug not only removes hardened feces, adhered to the intestinal walls, but also promotes the breakdown of fats, and also normalizes the metabolic process in the body.

Of course, before such treatment it is necessary to consult a doctor.

For weight loss:

What are the benefits of prunes for weight loss?

Prunes fight cholesterol accumulation. But in addition to destroying harmful deposits, dried fruit also helps ensure that this unnecessary cholesterol leaves our body. And lowering cholesterol is one of the steps towards losing weight.
Has low glycemic index. This means that the fruits eaten will give you a feeling of fullness longer, preventing the premature onset of hunger. They contain enough fiber to create a feeling of fullness in the stomach. It will be an excellent snack, which, despite the sweetness and sugar content, is still healthier than a sandwich with bread and butter grabbed in a hurry. Dried fruit does not contain saturated fats, the accumulation of which leads not only to obesity, but also to heart disease.
By the way, about the sweetness of prunes. Anyone who has ever restricted themselves while on a diet remembers how they crave something sweet when almost all sweet treats are usually prohibited by diets. So prunes are not that case. Two or three dried plums - and you don’t feel unhappy due to a broken diet. So to maintain positive mood This is also useful during a diet.
Dried plum is considered a good antidepressant. And any diet is stress, the scale of which is measured by the type and duration of the diet itself. The body immediately reacts to restrictions with “resentment,” which can manifest itself in depression, sleep disturbances, and mood swings. A nutritious and healthy prunes will save us from these negative phenomena. Snacking on prunes will relieve you of a bad mood and improve your mental and emotional state.
Nourishes the body during periods of restrictions. Excluding certain foods from the diet can cause depletion of nutrients in our body. But prunes can cope with this thanks to the content of vitamins and minerals.
And another useful property of prunes for weight loss is the ability to activate metabolism, improve bowel movements and relieve constipation. It is also important in the fight for harmony, or rather, it is even one of mandatory conditions any struggle for weight loss.

Can you eat prunes if you have diabetes?

There are no direct contraindications to eating prunes for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. You can eat it, but with great caution and in strictly limited quantities, according to your individual diabetes nutrition plan. It, like any other product, has a direct effect on blood glucose levels, but its calorie content is much lower than any other sweet. You should not abuse it even on the grounds that it has a low glycemic index, only 29 units. Diabetics especially monitor this indicator, as it allows you to understand how eating specific foods will affect the jump in blood sugar levels. The fairly low glycemic index of prunes ensures that this product helps to slowly increase glucose levels.

In addition, prunes, having a lot of useful properties, will be useful for people suffering from diabetes mellitus. It contains a large amount of fiber, that is, dietary fiber, which slows down the absorption of glucose into the blood in gastrointestinal tract. These dried fruits contain many vitamins and minerals that are recommended for diabetics: folic acid, niacin, riboflavin, calcium, phosphorus, boron, manganese, magnesium and others. Prune sugars - sorbitol and fructose - guarantee safety for a sick person, as they do not provoke a sharp increase in blood glucose.

Also, being a source of antioxidants, dried plums help prevent the development of various kinds chronic diseases and complications that accompany diabetes. This product is low in cholesterol and sodium.

Patients with diabetes should eat prunes pure form. It is recommended to combine it with other products, for example, adding a few pieces to cereals eaten for breakfast, seasoning light snacks or salads with it. There are a lot of recipes with prunes for diabetics, it all depends on taste and personal preference.

Very interesting video about prunes!

Treatment with prunes:

Prunes are used on the recommendation of nutritionists for weight correction, treatment and health maintenance. Removing toxins from the body and optimizing metabolism are only part of the beneficial properties of prunes. In addition to use in dietary nutrition prunes are a great alternative medicines in the treatment of certain diseases.

Treatment of polyavitaminosis:

Recipe 1

2 tablespoons finely grated prunes

Pour 400 ml of boiling water over all ingredients, leave for 3 hours, strain and add 2 teaspoons of honey.

Take 50 ml 2 times a day 1 hour before meals for 10–14 days for the prevention and treatment of polyavitaminosis.

Recipe 2

1 tablespoon rose hips
1 tablespoon red rowan

Mix the ingredients, pour 400 ml of boiling water, leave for 1.5 hours, then strain.

Take the infusion 100 ml 3-4 times a day 20 minutes before meals.

The course of treatment is from 7 to 10 days. The product is effective for vitamin deficiency.

How to treat sore throat with prunes?

5 tablespoons grated prunes
1 tablespoon rose hips
1 tablespoon black currants

Mix everything, pour 400 ml of boiling water, leave for 3 hours, then strain and add 2 teaspoons of honey.

Take 100 ml 2 times a day 1 hour before meals for 14 days. Effective for sore throat.

Treatment for arthritis:

1 tablespoon grated prunes
1 tablespoon burdock root

Pour 2 glasses of water, boil over low heat for 15 minutes, strain.

Take 1 tablespoon 4 times a day 1 hour before meals for 7-10 days for arthritis.

How to treat atherosclerosis with prunes?

1 tablespoon buckwheat flowers
1 tablespoon grated prunes

Pour 2 cups of boiling water, leave for 2 hours in a closed container and strain.

Take 100 ml 3-4 times a day. The course of treatment is 7 days.

The product helps with atherosclerosis.

Treatment of bronchitis:

Recipe 1

1 teaspoon dried chopped wild strawberry rhizomes
1 tablespoon strawberry leaves
1 tablespoon grated prunes

Pour 1 glass of water, boil for 15 minutes, leave for 1 hour, strain. Drink throughout the day, dividing the decoction into 3 doses. The course of treatment is 7 days.

The product helps with bronchitis:

Recipe 2

250 g grated prunes
250 g peeled and chopped onion
100 g honey

Place everything in an enamel container, add 1 liter of water and cook over low heat for 3 hours. Strain, take 1 tablespoon.

The product helps with bronchitis.

Dried fruits are highly valued for their nutritional value and good taste, but not all types bring the same benefits to the body. Prunes are one of the few products that have been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. The benefits of prunes for the body are enormous; dried fruit helps get rid of various health problems, while it is affordable and tastes good. Natural medicine can be used by almost everyone, but in some cases it can be harmful.

The benefit of prunes lies mainly in its ability to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, but it is also obvious for other organs and systems:

Relieves constipation. To solve delicate problems, prunes have been used since ancient times; they are a laxative of medium strength and are consumed in doses.
Prunes are useful for atherosclerosis and hypertension, due to the high content of potassium salts.
It has a diuretic effect, helps cope with even severe swelling, improves kidney function, and helps remove waste and toxins from the body.
Prunes are rich in vitamin A, which has a positive effect on vision. The use of the product is indicated for people who spend a lot of time at the computer or have suffered surgery before our eyes.

Eating prunes helps to cope with loss of strength, increase vitality, and increase performance. The product, rich in antioxidants, fights free radicals, inhibits cell aging and rejuvenates the body.

Treatment of constipation with prunes

Prunes are a natural and effective remedy for treating constipation. The product has a pronounced laxative effect, contains a large amount of fiber, so it can easily cope with a delicate problem.

Prunes are used for constipation in several ways:

In the form of an infusion. To prepare the drink, place 100 g of dried plums in a thermos, pour 400 ml of boiling water, leave for 5 hours, or leave overnight. The prepared infusion is drunk before meals in several doses, and fruit is eaten.
In the form of a decoction. If you don’t have time to wait for the infusion, you can boil the washed prunes in boiling water and drink them warm.
With kefir. For a glass of fermented milk drink, use 5-6 prunes. You can eat fruit and drink kefir. Or chop prunes, mix with fermented milk drink and eat. You will get very tasty and healthy yogurt.

If constipation lasts more than 5 days, dried plums alone may not help. In this case, it is recommended to add laxative herbs, such as senna.

Recipe for constipation with senna

Compound:
Prunes - 100 g
Senna grass - 2 tsp.
600 ml water

Application:
Prunes need to be washed, cut, put into a saucepan, add pharmaceutical herb Senna Pour boiling water over it all, cover with a lid, wrap in a towel, and leave for 2-3 hours. Take 3-5 teaspoons every hour until results are achieved.

On a note: Don't have scales? On average, one prune weighs 8-10 g, that is, for 100 g you need to take 10-14 pieces of medium size and moderate humidity.

Video: How it works: interesting things about prunes

Eating prunes during pregnancy

You can introduce prunes into the diet of pregnant women. The product will have a beneficial effect on the expectant mother’s body, improve digestion, increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood, and help cope with constipation. A delicate problem often accompanies pregnant women in the last trimester.

It is worth remembering that dried fruit has a high calorie content and high sugar content, so you should not eat the product in large quantities. The benefits and harms of prunes directly depend on the amount eaten. Excessive consumption leads to large weight gain, sharp increase blood sugar levels, stool upset. Pregnant diabetes and individual intolerance to the product are also contraindications.

The benefits of dried plums for weight loss and cleansing

The energy value of dried plums is 256 kcal. Approximately 57 g are sugars. The product is high in calories, but this does not prevent it from being used for weight loss. Having choleretic, diuretic and laxative effects, it helps cleanse the intestines of fecal deposits, remove excess water from the body, due to which several kilograms are lost.

Rules for using prunes for weight loss:

the daily intake of the product should not exceed 100 g;
It is advisable to consume dried fruit in the first half of the day;
You should not combine the use of prunes and other laxatives.

Dried fruit can be consumed before or after meals, added to salads, cereals, and drinks. Can be used as a treat that will help suppress cravings for sweets and prevent diet breakdown.

Interesting: Natural sweets are made from prunes. It is enough to soak the product in warm water, chop, mix with chopped nuts, honey, seeds, and other dried fruits. Sweets are formed from the resulting mass and cooled.

Fasting day on prunes

To cleanse the body, you can spend a fasting day. With its help, you get rid of 1-2 kg of excess weight, which occurs by cleansing the body. On this day it is not recommended to leave the house; you should also avoid excessive physical activity and be sure to drink more fluids.

For unloading you will need 25-30 pieces of prunes and pure water, herbal infusions, unsweetened tea. Every 2 hours you need to eat 3-4 pieces of steamed fruit, washed down big amount water. In total, at least 3 liters are drunk during the day. If in the evening you feel severe hunger, you are allowed to consume a glass of kefir or unsweetened yogurt.

The benefits of dried plums for children

Prunes are introduced into a child’s diet in the first year of life; this is often done to normalize stool. Puree can be used as a first complementary food. In this case, it is advisable to give preference to the product industrial production that meets the needs child's body and has undergone the necessary processing.

At home, a decoction of dried fruits is prepared for a child. It is important to pay special attention to the quality of raw materials, wash them thoroughly, soak them, and heat them. Children of the second year of life and older can add the product to cereals, desserts, and casseroles.

Damage to prunes. Contraindications for use

Any product can cause harm to the body if it is not suitable, used incorrectly or in unlimited quantities. Absolute contraindications The following are the uses for prunes:

stool disorders, diarrhea;
diabetes;
individual intolerance;
kidney stone disease.

Limit the consumption of dried fruit in case of obesity due to its high calorie content, reducing the amount of product to 50 g per day. It is introduced into the diet of women during lactation with caution and only if necessary, as prunes can cause diarrhea in an infant.

Nutritional value of prunes

100 g of dried prunes contains 56.9 g of sugars, which is 114% of the body's recommended daily requirement. However, the product helps you lose weight, cleanse your intestines, and feel light and cheerful. And all thanks to the high content coarse fiber and potassium.

Table of vitamins and minerals content (per 100 g)

Video: The benefits of prunes and plums in the “Live Healthy” program

How to choose healthy prunes

To make real prunes, dried plum fruits of the “Hungarian” variety are used. Depending on the degree of maturity, place of growth and accuracy of technology, the appearance, taste of the final product and the amount of sugars and calorie content may differ.

The main signs of high-quality prunes:

black color without red inclusions;
shiny, smooth, hard skin;
The flesh is elastic; when pressed, no pits remain.

Dried fruit stores well in airtight jars or containers at room temperature. Has high humidity and is prone to mold. It is advisable to place such prunes in small containers, close them and store them on the refrigerator shelf.

I recently found some unique information from a reliable source. It turns out, according to the US Department of Medicine, for the full functioning of the human body in modern unfavorable environmental and psychological conditions, you should eat a glass of prunes every day.

What kind of fruit is this - prunes and how is it useful for humans?

Prunes- This is a dried plum. Once upon a time, the Creator Himself made sure that we had this wonderful fruit by crossing cherry plums and thorns in the wild. However, not every plum is suitable for producing prunes. Certain varieties are chosen, such as Hungarian. Most quality product, with the best properties, is obtained from fruits with small seeds that contain a sufficient amount of sugar. For drying, choose ripe, juicy fruits, even those that have fallen from the tree or withered on the branches. Pre-blanch (dip in boiling water for a short time), cooled in running water and dried in the sun or in steam dryers.

Among huge amount dried fruits that we see on the market or in stores, prunes attract with their pleasant smell, ease of storage and do not require special cooking methods. It is used to make jam and compotes. It is added to meat dishes, pilaf, salads and various confectionery. It is rich in useful substances that have a beneficial effect on our health. Apparently, this is why well-ripened plums are selected for drying, because only they have healing properties.

Beneficial properties of prunes

It contains a large number of a wide variety of useful substances: sugar, pectin (increasing drought resistance during storage), protein, fiber, malic acid. There's a lot in plum vitamins, therefore it is rightly called a natural “vitamin pharmacy”.

However, prunes are the most saturated with substances necessary for the body, without which it is impossible to imagine its normal functioning. It contains a lot of organic acids and fiber. It is literally saturated with various minerals, high content fructose, sucrose, citric, oxalic and salicylic acid.

His calorie content on average is 230-260 (!) kcal. I would never have thought that among many other overseas dried fruits, prunes have such high-calorie properties.

The high calorie content of prunes is explained by their high carbohydrate content. Therefore, for those who want to lose weight, they should not eat a lot of dried plums. It is recommended to consume 5-6 dried berries per day, which helps replenish your vitamin reserve with a small amount of calories.

Dried plums contain enough fiber, to satisfy the feeling of hunger. Eating a few fruits gives the body a feeling of fullness. It's better than eating a sandwich with butter, which has almost the same calorie content as prunes. However, the advantage of dried fruit is that it does not contain saturated fats, which are the cause of obesity and heart disease.

By the way, one of my friends tried one of the recipes for weight loss using dried plums, taking it for several months in a row. Now looking at slim figure this woman of Balzac's age and her active lifestyle, you are personally convinced of the special properties of prunes, its miraculous power.

Healing properties of prunes

Prunes are a unique product containing large quantity micro and macro elements. There is more than enough phosphorus, potassium and calcium in it. And if we add starch, carbohydrates and proteins to this, we get a fairly long list of the most necessary and beneficial substances for the human body.

1. Prunes are considered the absolute leader among dried fruits in terms of content antioxidants. These elements are known to cleanse blood vessels of cholesterol plaques. They prevent harmful deposits on the walls of blood vessels and remove cholesterol from the body. And lowering cholesterol helps a person get rid of extra centimeters at the waist.

2. Additionally, antioxidants fight free radicals(hyper-active compounds that lead to destructive actions in the body), causing many diseases. This amazing property of prunes helps prevent cancer.

3. Adding prunes to your diet, improves blood circulation, rejuvenates the body, helps with anemia.

4. Prunes contain a lot of semiphenol, which increases the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, which in turn normalizes heart function.

5. Vitamins strengthen the nervous system, increase the body's resistance to stressful situations.

6. Prunes help lowering blood pressure. Doctors often prescribe a diet made from this dried fruit to hypertensive patients.

7. Potassium, which prunes are rich in, helps with urolithiasis, promotes good liver and kidney function. Therefore, to replenish potassium, you simply need to eat dried plums.

8. Prunes are not a substitute for some intestinal diseases. , for constipation, gout, damage to the liver, kidneys and heart. It is recommended to use it to increase appetite and gastric secretions. It’s not for nothing that people say: “Constipation has two enemies – prunes and dried apricots.”

Prunes are a rejuvenating agent

In practice, it has been proven that if people suffering from various stomach pathologies eat 4-5 prunes every day, they can normalize the acidity of the stomach, get rid of gastritis and restore intestinal function.

* In addition, prunes increase immunity and overall body resistance. Acts as an anti-aging agent and is very useful for the prevention of cancer.

* Provides antibacterial, destructive effect against various pathogenic microorganisms. Restores normal functioning of the stomach and promotes proper metabolism.

* In addition, this “land” is a remedy for depression. Many people know that any diet is a kind of stress for the body, which immediately begins to react to food restrictions. And this leads to sleep disturbances, irritability and mood swings. During a diet, it is best to snack on prunes, which have good nutritional properties, to get rid of negative effects.

Prunes: dietary and culinary properties

Prunes are dietary product, it is included in the diet of a wide variety of dishes. When buying prunes on the market, first of all, pay attention to their appearance. High-quality prunes should be black with slight shine, a little soft and elastic. But a brown tint indicates technological violations during processing. For this reason, the fruit loses its beneficial properties. Bitter taste- indicates improper drying.

Prunes are widely used in cooking, giving the dish a special taste. Even in winter, jam is made from it, to which cinnamon and vanilla sugar are added. This jam has a special prune flavor. In addition, you can eat it right away, without covering it with a lid or putting it on the back burner.

Make prune compote, aromatic infusion or decoction- easier than steamed turnips. It is worth pouring boiling water over the dried berries, cover with a lid and let sit for an hour.

One day I was treated to a stuffed duck baked in the oven with prunes. With pleasure, tasting this wonderful dish, I felt with all my being its exquisite, piquant taste and incomparable aroma of spices.

Is there any harm from prunes?

I’ll say right away that with all its advantages, not everyone and not all illnesses can benefit from this wonderful fruit. beneficial effect. In moderation, this product is very useful. But if you abuse it, you can harm your body.

*Due to overeating, diarrhea may begin, which will be difficult to stop.

* People suffering urolithiasis, you should refrain from eating prunes. It contains oxalic acid, which increases stone formation and can cause exacerbation.

*In addition, due to high content Sugar and prunes should not be consumed by people with diabetes or obesity.

* However, prunes in small quantities are not harmful for pregnant women. Thanks to special properties This fruit is not only possible to eat, but also necessary. Fresh decoction from prunes will cleanse your body well and increase its resistance.

Eat prunes, children, and you will be healthy!

Can a child eat prunes? Can! It's all about quantity.

Prunes are allowed to be included in the diet children of the first year of life as complementary food in the form of puree. It is especially useful for babies prone to constipation. Usually a baby needs 1-2 teaspoons of prune puree per day to normalize stool.

Over time, porridge (for example, buckwheat) is introduced into the child’s diet, and then prune puree is added to the buckwheat.

You only need to buy prunes for children that are black, without much shine, with a pit. In the East they say: “The seed is the soul of the prune. Take away the bone, and what happens?” Therefore, it is better to buy prunes with pits and separate them at home yourself. But first, do not forget to thoroughly wash the fruit in running water. Prunes with pits are better preserved useful material and there is less chance of getting an infection when using it

If the prunes look fresh, moist, bright color, it is clear that it is treated with sulfites to maintain freshness. Why does your child need this chemistry? Choose dried fruits that are wrinkled and drier in appearance. They have more beneficial properties than those that have been processed.

And for older children, instead of candy, chips and crackers of dubious quality, I recommend a wonderful, natural delicacy like prunes. It's much tastier and healthier.