Medicinal properties of prunes. Prunes for weight loss - beneficial properties and harm, recipes with kefir, hay and dried apricots

Prunes are a type of plum. It has a soft texture and a very sweet taste. But most often it is known as a dried fruit, that is, in dried form. It has a richer taste and is used in many recipes not only for dishes, but also in traditional medicine. This product is very nutritious, relatively low in calories, which is used for weight loss.

It grows in most of Russia, Moldova, Yugoslavia, Romania, France, America, and CIS countries. Most often, imported fruits are found on the shelves of Russian stores. Although adapted species grow even in Siberia. The collection is carried out in July-September (again, depending on the variety and place where it is grown).

It contains the following vitamins: B, E, PP, C, K. It contains microelements - iron, manganese, potassium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, iodine, and useful substances - fiber, sugars, organic acids, proteins, etc. d.

How to choose prunes

You can buy dried fruits both at the market and in the store. It is also available in packaged form or by weight. But you need to know a few rules so that the product does not disappoint you with its quality and taste.

Most best prunes brought from Canada. Most best variety- Italian Hungarian.
The fruits should be black and matte. A glossy sheen means they have been treated with glycerin or some kind of fat. Moreover, the latter can be very harmful to health. If there is no other choice and only such dried fruits are on sale, then after purchasing they should be thoroughly rinsed with warm water and then poured boiling water for 30-40 minutes.
It is better to choose among pre-packaged factory packaging. At the factory they undergo additional control, and they are also touched with gloves 1-2 times.
Transparent packaging allows you to view the contents and ensure proper quality.
The fruits should be quite soft and elastic. When pressed, they should restore their shape. Otherwise, there is a risk of purchasing a damaged product.
The color should be black and uniform. Shades may indicate the following:
dark gray– about processing it with oils or fats;
blue– about the unripeness of fruits;
brown– about treatment with chemicals to improve storage.
If, when soaking the berries, they turn slightly white, this indicates their good quality.
Its taste is sweet, a slight sourness is normal. If there is a rancid taste, then the fruits are spoiled and should not be eaten.

Watch the video about the benefits and harms of fresh and dried prunes:

Beneficial properties of prunes

Prunes are useful in any form - both fresh and dried. The properties are almost the same, with the exception of some minor points.

Fresh prunes, benefits and harm to the body

Fresh plum has all the beneficial properties in July-September. At such a time, it is grown naturally, without various treatments, in our country.

It has choleretic and diuretic properties, so it is often used for weight loss, in fasting days and for diets. Its laxative properties are used to treat constipation. Clears blood vessels from cholesterol plaques and the body as a whole from toxins and waste, fights arteriosclerosis. Thanks to the substances it contains, it is useful for vitamin deficiency, low hemoglobin, nervous disorders and depression.

Due to the fact that plums can increase the acidity of the mucous membrane of the digestive system (especially when excessive consumption) this fruit is contraindicated for stomach ulcers, gastritis and other diseases gastrointestinal tract. You should not eat it if you have diabetes, as the sugars contained in plums can cause an even greater increase in blood sugar. For gout and rheumatism, this product is also prohibited.

Dried prunes, benefits and harms

Prunes in the form of dried fruit are very popular, as they have a pleasant, slightly tart taste. In addition, it can be bought at any time of the year; if stored properly, it has a very long shelf life.

Its beneficial properties are almost the same as in fresh. But in addition to all of the above, when dried, it helps the functioning of the heart and restores the tone of the walls of blood vessels. It is a natural antioxidant, thanks to which it strengthens the body and helps fight viruses and infections. Helps prevent malignant tumors.

But he's quite allergenic product, like most other dried fruits. It may also contain acrylamide. This is a carcinogen that usually occurs when fruits dry out quickly, that is, the process is disrupted. It increases the possibility of cancer.

Particular attention should be paid to the seeds in prunes. With them, this dried fruit retains more useful substances than without them. But at the same time they contain hydrocyanic acid, which evaporates when the temperature rises above 27 degrees. Most often they are used in folk medicine for treatment colds, spine, urolithiasis. When mixed with dried fruits, the seeds help restore immunity.

Prunes during pregnancy

During pregnancy, prunes will help cleanse the body of harmful substances. It acts as a diuretic, due to which swelling goes away (they often occur in an interesting position).

Pregnant women adhere quite strict diet. And sometimes they are prohibited from sweets such as candy, chocolate, etc. And when hormonal changes The body most often craves them. Therefore, you can replace store-bought sweets with dried fruits and delicacies made from them. It will be much healthier and weight-friendly, the main thing is not to eat too much.

After childbirth, prunes can be eaten; they will help restore strength and prevent vitamin deficiency. But it is better to do this after 1-2 months, since the baby may have allergies.

If we consider the option artificial feeding, then you can use it here immediately. Infusion and decoction of dried fruits are less dangerous.

Contraindications

The main contraindication is individual intolerance. You should not use it if you have diabetes, due to the fairly large amount of sugar it contains. For the same reason and high calorie content, it is contraindicated for overweight and obesity. If there are chronic diseases of the stomach and liver, then use it with caution. Its quantity must be clearly limited; 1-3 pieces are enough for one time, since it has a laxative property and large number may cause diarrhea.

Prune recipes

Prunes are very often used to prepare various dishes. These can be hot dishes, salads (snacks), various desserts and drinks. It can act as a main ingredient and as a seasoning. It must be rinsed well first. Some recipes also require pre-soaking. It will be a good addition to porridges and meats to give a refined oriental taste.

Beetroot salad with prunes

This salad will be very useful for increasing hemoglobin and improving immunity. To prepare it, the beets must be boiled until tender and grated on a coarse grater. If you don’t have time, you can grate the raw root vegetable on a fine grater. Then add crushed garlic cloves, chopped prunes, crushed walnut, grated green apple. Season with sour cream or mayonnaise to taste. Top with pomegranate seeds.

Roast beef with prunes

For cooking you will need: prunes, beef (pulp), potatoes, onions, tomato paste, garlic, salt, pepper. Cut the meat into pieces. Place it in a frying pan and fry lightly. Transfer it to a pot or other suitable container. Place chopped onions and garlic on top and place in a preheated oven for 30-40 minutes. After removing, add peeled and chopped potatoes and prunes. Return back for another 20-30 minutes. For a milder taste, add a couple of spoons of sour cream or cream.

Prune pie

This pie will appeal to almost everyone, but those who love cottage cheese will especially appreciate it. For preparation you will need: flour, margarine, sour cream, baking powder, sugar, prunes, cottage cheese, condensed milk, eggs. For the dough, mix melted margarine, flour, baking powder, sour cream and sugar. The dough should be soft and elastic. For the filling, combine cottage cheese with egg, condensed milk and sugar.

The thickness should be like sour cream. If it turns out a little liquid, then you should add a little starch. The dough must be distributed according to the mold, not forgetting to make the sides. Place the soaked prunes and pour in the curd mixture. Place in an oven preheated to 180 degrees for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 160 degrees, leaving for another 30 minutes.

Pasta Amosova

Most often no one knows correct name such a delicacy. In fact, it is a mixture of dried fruits, nuts, honey and lemon. It is named after the scientist, doctor, long-liver who developed it himself.

Its composition may vary depending on what diseases it will be used to treat. The base is: prunes, dried apricots, raisins, walnuts, lemon, honey. Dried fruits and nuts must be passed through a meat grinder or chopper. Then add chopped lemon (with peel) to them. Pour honey over all this and mix well. This mixture should be consumed no more than 1-3 times a day before meals. It is often eaten with tea, thereby killing most of the beneficial substances, since high temperature negatively affects positive qualities honey and other ingredients. Store only in the refrigerator.

Flax porridge with prunes

This recipe is suitable for those who adhere to proper nutrition and are on a diet. The dish turns out to be not very attractive in appearance (jelly-like), but at the same time very satisfying, nutritious and healthy, which will give a boost of energy for a long time.

It is very easy to prepare. You need to rinse and soak the prunes in advance. Then grind it and put it in a blender container. Cover them with flaxseed flour and pour boiling water for 10 minutes. Then blend with an immersion blender until smooth. If you don’t quite like the taste, you can add a little sugar or honey.

Prunes are a dried fruit that is often recommended by nutritionists and doctors. It is beneficial for many diseases and health problems. It can be used both in food and in traditional medicine. But do not forget about contraindications. After all, even good product may cause harm to health. It must be chosen correctly in order to receive only benefits. Also, be careful when introducing them into the diet of babies: prunes can cause allergies and irritation of the digestive system. But when correct use there won't be any problems.

Dried plum with a pit, a pleasant astringent taste - this is. It is often confused with prunel, a more valuable product that is dried without the pit. However, among people who consume these two types of dried plums, there is no difference in the names, so we will operate with one common name. Different varieties Prunes are produced in the Balkans, France and Bukovina. This is very useful product, having medicinal and nutritional properties wide range.

Composition of prunes

As for chemicals, prunes There are pectin substances, malic acid, sugar, vitamins B, PP, C, as well as provitamin A and minerals: iron, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium. High energy value of prunes allows you to perceive it as a complete product - 100 g of the substance contains 264 kcal. At the same time, dried plums completely retain all the beneficial substances that were in fresh fruits.

Properties and benefits of prunes

The content of minerals and vitamins determines the range of diseases that can be treated with prunes. For example, iron will be a good help in the fight against anemia. A ballast substances will help solve problems of the gastrointestinal tract. Many pharmaceutical preparations against constipation include prune extract.. Therefore, you can use these fruits yourself to adjust your stool. It is enough to eat 5-6 fruits a day, and the problem will be solved.

The pectins contained in prunes will help remove toxins and excess fluid from the body., because they have suction properties. Pectin draws in harmful substances, located in the intestines, up to heavy metal salts. And ballast properties of prunes will make this process faster. Therefore, dried plums are actively used for weight loss diets.

The advantages of prunes also include good antibacterial properties.: he is not inferior in this regard medical drugs. Dried plums slow down growth and destroy bacteria, causing diseases oral mucosa and all oral cavity.

More effective than others natural remedies Prunes help prevent cardiovascular diseases. It helps normalize blood pressure and strengthens blood vessels. This happens thanks to high content potassium in fruits.

Tonic properties of prunes make it a valuable product for those who have suffered an illness or surgery, and simply general weakness body. With the help of dried fruits, you can restore reduced performance, improve general condition body.

Thanks to many minerals prunes help improve appearance skin, therefore it can be classified as cosmetics. After regular use prunes the skin becomes healthier and more elastic. This is greatly facilitated by the fact that prunes helps intestinal function.

Rich in potassium, which helps the body with urolithiasis, takes part in the transmission and reception of nerve impulses which lead to muscle contraction. Potassium is also involved in maintaining the activity of the heart and the acid-base balance in the body. With the participation of potassium, bile secretion is streamlined and urine excretion from the body is enhanced. This also helps remove excess liquid and toxins, which means it allows you to fight excess weight.

Using prunes you can increase immunity and overall body resistance adverse external influences because it has antioxidant properties. promotes the absorption of free radicals that destroy cell membranes. This also explains its anti-aging properties and ability to be used as a means for the prevention of cancer.

Contraindications for eating prunes

You shouldn't eat at large quantities people with chronic diseases liver and stomach. Pregnant women should use caution. And for everyone else, remember about the strong laxative properties of prunes and do not abuse them to avoid misunderstandings.

How to eat prunes

In order for everything valuable properties prunes completely absorbed in the body, it is better to consume it as follows: in the evening, rinse the fruits, pour boiling water over them and leave to steep until the morning. In the morning, drink the resulting infusion and eat the berries.

You can make a compote cocktail from various dried fruits, with the addition prunes. The result is a healthy drink with a pleasant deep color. It is especially useful to give to children after infectious diseases to restore strength.

If you want something tasty, you can make any fruit salad with the addition of prunes, or do vitamin mixture from honey, cottage cheese and prunes.

There is also a recipe for a kind of biological tonic with prunes, which is very useful during periods of vitamin deficiency: take 100 g of prunes, raisins, dried apricots, walnuts and by eye they season it all with honey. Then mix and eat one tablespoon in the morning and evening before meals. With the help of such a tonic, the supply of vitamins and minerals in the body will be constantly replenished.

Eat well in the morning rolled oats porridge with pieces of prunes added.

For baking lovers, here is the following recipe: take two packs of full-fat cottage cheese, four tablespoons of rolled oats, two eggs, a handful of prunes and two spoons of sugar. You can add candied fruits and raisins if you have them. You can add more sugar for those who are not afraid to gain weight. Mix everything thoroughly, transfer to a baking dish and place in a preheated oven to bake. As soon as it turns brown, the dish is ready.

Of course, any product is better eaten in its natural form, natural form. But everyone leaves the choice of recipe to themselves.

Dried plum fruits are commonly called prunes. Not all varieties are suitable for obtaining this dried fruit. Usually, the Vengerka variety is chosen for drying, and less commonly, the Renklod variety.

Dried plum - unique product. It retains all the microelements beneficial to health. When cooking dried fruits It is necessary to follow a certain technology to preserve the beneficial properties of dried fruits.

Fruits, dried according to all the rules, should look like this: the color of the berries should only be black, and they should not have a strong shine. If prunes shine, this suggests that the fruits were treated with some kind of fat to give it an attractive appearance to buyers.

The fruits should be soft and elastic to the touch. Sometimes dried fruits have a brownish tint. This indicates that they were treated with boiling water. When consumed, such a product will not cause harm, but it may have bitter taste. If the fruit is dried along with the seed, then there are more benefits from it: the beneficial properties are preserved better than in peeled ones.

These dried fruits are a storehouse of vitamins, nutrients and properties. The benefits of dried fruits are as follows:

Prunes are a natural antioxidant that helps the body get rid of free radicals.
Plum fruits have the effect of a mild laxative.
Antiseptic properties, which these fruits possess, help in the fight against E. coli and infectious diseases.
Helps in the fight against iron deficiency anemia.
Helps normalize high blood pressure.
The fruits are recommended for poor appetite, as they improve the selection gastric juice and increase appetite.
High content of vitamins A, B, C and E helps improve vision, strengthens the nervous system, improves memory, stimulates brain function, and helps get rid of depression.
Plums contain about one and a half times more potassium than bananas. Its presence has a beneficial effect on the heart and blood vessels.

The listed beneficial properties of prunes speak in favor of its daily use. You can include 6-7 dried fruits in your diet per day. This amount is sufficient to provide the body with the necessary microelements.

Use of dried fruit in cooking

Beneficial properties of prunes and their good taste promote the use of this dried fruit in cooking for the preparation of various drinks, decoctions, and salads. It is often used as additional component in various meat dishes. Dried plums serve as an excellent decoration for baked goods.

There are many recipes for healthy and healthy nutrition using plum. Speaking about the benefits of the product, one cannot fail to mention its positive effect on children's body. Such a natural delicacy as prunes is an excellent alternative to candies and sweets. In addition, it prevents caries.

Dried fruits are not prohibited for consumption during fasting. At the same time, they help improve performance and help restore strength during a diet.

Contraindications for the use of dried plum fruits

Despite useful qualities Prunes in some cases, their use should be limited and even avoided:

Prunes should not be consumed by people suffering from obesity or diabetes mellitus;
Breastfeeding mothers should refrain from eating plums, since when they come in contact with breast milk into a child's body, some substances can cause allergic reaction, as well as stomach colic;
in patients urolithiasis eating these fruits can increase stone formation due to the content of oxalic acid, and also provoke an exacerbation of the disease;
Sometimes, if you overuse plum fruits, diarrhea may begin.

What are the benefits of eating plums for women?

The consumption of prunes by women during menopause and menopause brings enormous benefits. Since it is during this period that the beautiful half of humanity is susceptible to a disease such as osteoporosis due to a decrease in calcium content in the body. Plum fruits are rich in calcium and are therefore good remedy prevention of this disease.

One more thing valuable element These fruits contain potassium contained in dried fruits. It activates the kidneys and helps in the fight against swelling of the face and body.

On store shelves you can find huge amount a variety of 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 beneficial 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 nicotine and ascorbic acid, thiamine and carotene, as well as vitamin PP. It also contains significant amount minerals that take active participation during all 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 of tannic and pectin elements in its composition, 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 tablets. 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 excess weight gain. 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 operation stomach and intestines, as well as excellent metabolism will help you lose overweight almost effortlessly, and will also lead to overall health of the body.

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

IN recent 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 tool may well be used as effective medicine on early stages cardiovascular diseases. In this case, prunes optimize blood pressure and also remarkably strengthen the walls different 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 this forever. sensitive issue. 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 they remarkably optimize the transmission of nerve impulses, in addition, they are good at establishing acid-base balance in the body.

Prunes contain many elements that destroy free radicals, accordingly, its beneficial 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 during 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

By 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

Per 100 g of product nutritional value distributed as follows (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 work 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, having a detrimental effect on pathogenic microorganisms, protects against caries,
improves blood circulation,
brings blood pressure to normal level
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 (so as not to cause 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 explained by the combination dietary fiber with fructose. This phenomenon is recognized 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,
sweet taste with a slight sourness (such berries contain a maximum of vitamin C),
lack of bitterness.

Prunes dried 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's made to improve presentation dried fruit It can also shine after treatment with an unknown fat. Sellers often lubricate dried fruit with 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. Brown shade is not the only drawback of such processing. 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

Culinary experts love this product very much, as it gives an absolutely unique taste. 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 counts 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 healing agent you can cook it 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 heals purulent diseases skin. 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 remove extra pounds, despite the fact that prunes are high in calories. 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. In 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 them excellent dietary product in the system healthy eating. And the content is biological active ingredients 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 used 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 human body 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. Besides, healing properties dried fruit makes 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 a 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 is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for bones, teeth, and 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, wastes, 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 help restore normal process metabolism, as well as liver and kidney function. 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 some time, 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 E. 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's 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 until 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 one glass of water and boil for several minutes. Next, leave for about an hour. Give the baby a teaspoon each daytime days.

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 strong 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 it is quite difficult, especially if the body expectant mother it 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 its use with sports and adding to various dishes(cereals, 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 valuable substances and the vitamins contained in it: 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

Useful properties

Prunes are very useful for anemia and vitamin deficiency. Prunes have antibacterial property, so it is recommended to take it instead of harmful chemicals when 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 the secretion of gastric juice and increase appetite, so they are often included in diets aimed at weight gain. When eating prunes, metabolism is normalized and general strengthening body. 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 of the festive table.

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

Characteristics of prunes

Energy value

In terms of energy value (calorie content), prunes lead among most fresh fruits. But it wins comparison with such “healthy sweets” as honey, marshmallows, and 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

Per 100 g of product, the nutritional value is distributed as follows (in grams):

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

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 plums retain all the beneficial components that fresh berries are rich in. Prunes inhibit the growth of pathogens such as salmonella and E. coli. The presence of pectin 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 have a good effect on thrombophlebitis, as they help 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 (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),
(action of iron),
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 (so as not to cause gastric upset in the 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 treated with chemicals, which makes them 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

In order for dried fruit to bring maximum benefits, you need to skillfully 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,
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 a 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. Sellers often lubricate dried fruit with 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. At best, 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, the chemical 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 to be domestic duck. It is stuffed with apples and prunes and cooked in the oven. This dish will decorate any holiday 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, 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

Many pharmaceutical preparations for constipation contain prune extract. But you can prepare a healing remedy yourself. This is an infusion of prunes. Before going to bed, wash dry berries (6 pcs.) well and add boiled water (1 cup).

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 warm compresses to the sore spots at night. 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. In 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 or grated fresh. Low-fat kefir or lemon juice are suitable as a dressing (sugar and salt are strictly unacceptable). Regular, proper consumption of prunes has the most positive effect on 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 to the role of a delicacy. It is deservedly used as a natural medicine.