Prunes and their beneficial properties. Prunes

Dried fruits have the ability to provide complex impact on the human body. Regular consumption of them in food normalizes performance 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 according to composition minor degree differs from fresh plums, and due to some properties it is considered healthier. Dried fruits used in different types, and their taste properties are universal. They cook from them 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 purchasing them will be a meaningless transfer Money. 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 traditional appearance);
the surface of good dried fruits is always matte, the color is uniform (a brown tint indicates the use of boiling water, a glossy sheen indicates the use of glycerin, such fruits will not be healthy);
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. It is better not to use plastic bags (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 operation the cardiovascular system requires regular replenishment useful elements in organism. 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 factors environment can weaken the immunity of a healthy person, vitamins from prunes normalize 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;
alimentary fiber promote the removal of toxins or waste (prevent 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 work gastrointestinal tract, help cleanse the body of harmful substances, improve the appearance of the skin, increase vitality. This product has bactericidal properties and normalizes blood pressure. It is recommended to use it if you have digestive problems, overweight, during pregnancy and healthy people for improvement 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 supply useful substances body, 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 increased quantity vitamins and useful elements. Prunes are contraindicated in cases of significant weight gain or elevated blood sugar. Without the presence of such factors, eating it is not only possible, but also necessary. Negative Impact the body is affected by excessive introduction of dried fruits into the diet. Side effects include stool problems or an allergic reaction.

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 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 in the presence of 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 consumption of prunes leads to diarrhea, increased blood sugar (as a result, weight problems may arise), allergies or abnormal performance digestive system. You should not feed your baby dried plums. It is better to replace them with compote, which is not inferior in its properties to weaken the intestines dill water.

Video about the beneficial properties of prunes

The calorie content of dried pitted prunes cannot be called low. Like all dried fruits, when losing moisture, our hero accumulates carbohydrates per 1 gram of dry weight.

As many as 240 calories per 100 grams or 12% of average daily value(DN). The body receives almost all of this amount from carbohydrates - dried plums contain no less than 21% of the DV, the lion's share of this amount comes from easily digestible sugars.

How rich is our hero? This is what we will find in 100 grams of the product.

Lots of dietary fiber, important for normal peristalsis and good bowel movements - 28% of the DV.

There are practically no fats, and proteins are 4% of the DV. They contain all the essential amino acids.

Due to their protein and dietary fiber, dried plums inspire sweet tooth lovers with a relatively low glycemic index- from 35 to 40.

Prunes contain many essential vitamins:

Vitamin K - as much as 74% of the DV - for the balance of intestinal microflora and adequate calcium metabolism;
Provitamin A - 16% DV - for strong immunity and healthy eyes and skin;
As well as B vitamins, which are responsible for the care of the nervous system and the body’s energy.

Important minerals noticeable in the product:

Potassium - 21% DV
Manganese - 15% DV
Magnesium - 10% DV
Phosphorus - 7% DV

In addition, the fleshy dried fruit contains considerable amounts of sorbitol. This complex alcohol, which has a sweet taste, has a pronounced laxative effect. However, too large doses sorbitol leads to increased gas formation and diarrhea. Let's face it, eating too much prunes is not the smartest idea.

Found in dried plums and chlorogenic acid. This substance is very strong antioxidant, successfully fights staphylococcus and coli, suppresses the development of the herpes virus.

Benefit for health

Let us list point by point the beneficial effects of prunes on the body.

It easily copes with the role of a mild laxative - both due to high content dietary fiber, and due to the laxative effect of sorbitol. In 2012, the European Food Safety Authority prepared a report that concluded how to eat prunes for constipation:

At least 100 grams daily allows you to establish normal bowel function.

Read another detailed algorithm about food methods for treating constipation.

The dried fruit has a successful effect against constipation and when mixed with its colleagues - figs and dried apricots. The mixture can be enriched with the popular fiber of wheat or oats, as well as adding less known species dietary fiber (psyllium).

Doubts whether prunes weaken or strengthen are most often associated with a misunderstanding of the process of consuming fiber. Any (!) laxative with an abundance of dietary fiber must be accompanied by water.
When faced with the problem of constipation, we must drink a significant amount of liquid per day - at the rate of 20-30 ml for every kilogram of weight. If fluid is not supplied, increasing fiber in the diet may cause reverse effect(secure the chair).

Prunes protect cells from destructive action free radicals which helps to avoid premature aging. The main factors here are chlorogenic acid, as well as vitamins A, C and E (in 100 grams of prunes, they are 16, 1 and 2% of the average daily value, respectively).

Due to the high potassium content, our hero helps stabilize normal blood pressure and maintain a normal heart rhythm.

Whole complex of nutrients dried plum helps strengthen bones, inhibits the development of osteoporosis and the formation of cholesterol plaques on artery walls.

A significant amount of manganese contributes to normal hematopoiesis and the functioning of the reproductive system.

The role of dried fruit for weight loss is interesting.

A study at the University of Liverpool yielded interesting results about the benefits and harms of prunes for the body of a losing weight woman. Up to 2 kg of weight and up to 2.5 cm from the waist in 8 weeks of a healthy multi-component diet including 80-100 grams of prunes every day. A reason to be interested in dried plums for those who want to lose weight proper nutrition without harm to health.

Is it possible to eat prunes and dried apricots if you have diabetes?

When studying the topic of nutrition, we tend to rely on modern views in diet therapy. In this case, if you want to control type 2 diabetes with a minimum of medications, you should forever forget the way to light carbohydrates and strictly limit carbohydrates in principle. With this approach, prunes are not a treat for a diabetic.

Possible harm

Before beginning of the XXI centuries it was believed that sharply negative properties Prunes don't. However, after the discovery of the complex compound acrylamide in 2002, the position of scientists changed.

Acrylamide was first discovered in foods such as potato chips, French fries and fried bread. The formation of acrylamide is associated with temperatures exceeding 120°C. It is not found in raw or cooked foods. After the start of large-scale research, acrylamide was also found in olives, dried pears, coffee and prunes - the hero of our story.

Why is acrylamide dangerous? And is it correct to classify prunes as harmful products because of this?

Acrylamide has 3 actions that are harmful to the human body. Two of them have been proven, one is still under verification.

Daily doses of the substance above 0.5 mg/kg body weight have a destructive effect on nervous system person. Fortunately, when consuming the food listed above, 200-500 times smaller amounts of a potentially dangerous substance enter the body.
Daily doses of acrylamide exceeding 2 mg/kg body weight cause sperm mutations and other fertility problems. It is easy to calculate that on average we consume 2,000 times less of this substance.
It has also been hypothesized that acrylamide may provoke the development of cancer. This assumption has not been proven to this day (but not refuted either).

In order not to become a guinea pig, but not to deprive yourself of the pleasure of prunes, coffee and olives, it is beneficial to do the following.

Avoid daily use large quantities dried plum. And for people whose many relatives have suffered from cancer, exclude it from the diet.
Switch from instant coffee to brewed coffee made from freshly ground beans.
Limit the consumption of olives to holiday meals and salads, where there are few of them.

Choosing healthy dried fruit

What is important when purchasing?

No smoky or rancid oil smell;
Smooth, uniform (!) almost black color of the surface of the fruit, possibly with very little shine (the case when light shine should not categorically scare off);
It is desirable to have a pit (although such prunes are fraught with the danger of breaking a tooth on a piece of debris that goes unnoticed during cleaning, but fruits with pits are treated less with chemicals, because they are more resistant to spoilage).

How to prepare dried plums for food to remove potentially harmful compounds.

Quick processing option: pour cold water for 1 hour, drain, rinse very warm water, sorting the fruits with his hands.
Maximum treatment option: fill with cold water 2 times - for 1 hour, and then for another 30 minutes. We drain the water every time. After the 2nd soaking, scald with boiling water for 2-3 minutes.

Proper storage

How to store prunes at home?

We follow several rules. Choose hermetically sealed glass containers (for example, liter jars with a tight-fitting lid). Place the prunes at intervals, do not compact them. We find a dark and cool place. Up to 18 degrees, away from sources of moisture. Pantry, mezzanine, dry cellar.

Limiting access to light, heat and moisture to dried fruit supplies is the main task when storing at home.

What and how to eat prunes with

Oh, this topic is almost inexhaustible! Dried plums are perhaps the most popular dried fruit among chefs and confectioners. It plays a leading role in a variety of dishes.

Stewed meats, festive salads with a colorful and unexpected composition, cakes and pastries. There are dishes dedicated only to our hero (for example, prunes covered in chocolate and stuffed with nuts).

Maximum benefit - do not heat for too long!

Consuming prunes without harm maximum effect It is most beneficial in salads and desserts, where it is not subjected to heat treatment.

Sometimes indulging yourself in the fleshy, but not cloying sweetness of dried plums is not a sin in stewed examples of cooking. There are fewer benefits, but some will remain (minerals, dietary fiber). We have several favorite recipes from childhood that we will definitely share with you.

What dishes with prunes do you like? Tell us in the comments!

We hope this article answered many questions about prunes. The benefits and harms to the body are described based on up-to-date information from nutraceuticals and dietetics. Methods the right choice take into account the peculiarities of drying during mass production, alas, not always for the sake of the well-being of consumers. Study important things, buy healthy things and eat deliciously for your health!

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Among huge assortment dried fruits Special attention attracts prunes. Its benefits and harm to the body have been known since ancient times. Prunes are made from plum fruit. If you believe the legends, then God created the plum by crossing the berries of cherry plum and thorn. Today, prunes are popular in cooking and medicine.

The value of aromatic dried fruits

Perhaps every person has tried dried prunes at least once. The benefits and harms to the body are not as obvious as its taste. This is exactly what we have to discuss today.

prunes in chocolate candy in a dish dishes still life expensive antiques beautiful elegant sophisticated tasty appetizing

Prunes, as already mentioned, are made from plums. But not all fruits are suitable for these purposes. In most cases, prunes are made from Hungarian fruits.

On a note! The production route for prunes is complex. The berries are first blanched and then dried or dried. The result is an incredibly tasty and aromatic product. By the way, prunes cannot be called a dietary treat. 100 g contains about 260 kilocalories.

How much dried prunes do you think you can eat? While studying the benefits and harms of it for the body, scientists and specialists from one American university came to an interesting conclusion. It turns out that in order to feel good and not get sick, you need to enjoy one glass of prunes every day.

Chemical composition of dried fruits:

retinol;
lactose;
sucrose;
cellulose;
fructose;
Apple acid;
thiamine;
salicylic acid;
a nicotinic acid;
riboflavin;
oxalic acid;
ascorbic acid.

The unique component composition of prunes is striking. Its health benefits and harms are inextricably linked with each element. In addition to vitamins and acids, dried fruits contain a number of valuable micro- and macroelements.

Let's go to the "vitamin pharmacy" for benefits

This is what people call prunes. Indeed, when studying it component composition you are pleasantly surprised. So many vitamins, acids, nutrients! And each of them plays an important role for our health.

step by step recipe with photos

Healing properties of prunes:

cleansing blood vessels;
removing cholesterol from the body;
preventing the formation of cholesterol plaques;
cleansing the body of radical compounds;
prevention of cancer;
normalization of blood circulation;
rejuvenation of the body;
treatment of anemia;
strengthening the nervous system;
increased elasticity vascular walls;
normalization of the functioning of the heart muscle;
increasing the body's resistance to nervous overstrain and stress;
lowering blood pressure;
treatment of urolithiasis;
normalization of kidney and liver function;
treatment of constipation;
increased appetite;
improvement of gastric secretion.

On a note! Experts advise eating at least a few prunes to treat constipation. People say that constipation has only two enemies - prunes and dried apricots.

Prunes normalize the functioning of the liver and kidneys. In addition, dried fruits help restore normal levels stomach acidity. Prunes are also an ideal assistant in restoring metabolism.

With diseases oral cavity, especially dental caries, affects hundreds of people around the world every day. They say that prunes have antibacterial properties. One dried fruit should be slowly dissolved. The acids will kill pathogens and bacteria, thereby cleaning the oral cavity.

Prunes during pregnancy

We can talk almost endlessly about the benefits of prunes for human health. This delicious product in addition to all the beneficial properties listed, it is also indispensable during pregnancy.

Expecting a child is always pleasant and exciting. Female body is undergoing enormous changes, to the expectant mother you need twice as many vitamins, micro- and macroelements. Prunes will help here.

As already mentioned, dried fruits have mild laxative properties. And during pregnancy, constipation - common occurrence. By eating a few berries a day, you can solve this delicate problem.

Prunes also have cleansing properties. With the help of this delicacy you can minimize the harm from external influences. negative factors. Included dried fruits plums contain ascorbic acid. This vitamin creates a barrier in the body to viruses and pathogens.

Source of beauty for women

Prunes are of particular value for women. This delicacy helps to cope with overweight. Moreover, both dried and fresh prunes are suitable. The benefits and harms for losing weight are not so obvious. Firstly, you need to take into account your physiological state, secondly, your initial body weight, and thirdly, it is advisable to consult with a specialized doctor.

On a note! During a diet, women often experience mood swings. To protect yourself from stress and to constantly be in good location spirit, you need to eat prunes.

There are many types of diets that include dried fruits. The so-called mono-diet is designed for only three days. In this short period of time, you can lose about 4 kilograms, provided that the menu only contains drinking plenty of fluids and prunes.

There are also longer but safer diets. Based on prunes, decoctions are prepared, which are drunk throughout the day, observing the established proportions. Is there some more unique way express weight loss. Need to quickly lose a couple of kilos? Take 1 liter of kefir and 10 dried plums. This cocktail is drunk at night, but remember that you should not resort to this method of losing weight for more than two days in a row.

Recipe Pantry

IN culinary arts prunes occupy a special niche. Dried fruits are added to pilaf, meat dishes, vegetable salads, Dessert, confectionery. Every housewife probably knows this. Prunes are no less popular in alternative medicine. Let's look at a few recipes healing agents traditional medicine.

Recipe No. 1

Do you suffer from high blood pressure? This condition cannot be ignored, it needs to be normalized blood pressure to protect yourself from the development of complicated consequences. A simple and tasty remedy will help.

Compound:

1 tbsp. liquid honey;
1 tbsp. cranberries;
1 tbsp. prunes;
1 tbsp. walnut kernels;
1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Preparation and use:

Squeeze the juice from the lemon.
Wash the cranberries and prunes thoroughly and dry them.
Grind all the ingredients and combine in a deep bowl.
Add honey and stir vigorously.
This delicacy should be eaten 1 tbsp. l. once a day.

Recipe No. 2

The heart is the engine of our body. The blood vessels and heart muscle need support. To normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular system, you need to eat this very tasty medicine.

Compound:

0.2 kg raisins;
150 ml liquid honey;
0.2 kg prunes;
lemon – 200 g;
0.2 kg of walnut kernels;
0.2 kg dried apricots.

Preparation and use:

We thoroughly wash all ingredients with running water.
Clean the lemon peels thoroughly with a brush.
Using a meat grinder or blender, grind the above ingredients.
Add honey and stir until the mixture has a homogeneous consistency.
Transfer to a glass container and seal tightly with a lid.
Place in the refrigerator to infuse for 10 days.

Are prunes always good for you?

Even the most harmless product excessive consumption or failure to comply with contraindications may cause harm to health. Prunes are no exception. For diarrhea or other intestinal disorders It is better to exclude dried fruits from your diet so as not to aggravate the clinical picture.

If you are suffering overweight body, then overeating prunes is extremely undesirable. But there is no need to completely exclude this sweetness from the menu; it is simply enough to limit the consumption of dried fruits to 50 g per day.

Important! It is not recommended for women to eat prunes while breastfeeding. Together with mother's milk All the beneficial components will be transferred to the baby, but do not forget that prunes have laxative properties and can cause diarrhea in the baby.

Prunes are eaten in limited quantities for diabetes. The aromatic delicacy contains sugar, so you need to eat dried fruits taking into account the recommendations of your treating specialist.

The benefits of prunes for the body are beyond doubt. The product is recommended for regular use by healthy people, as well as those suffering from digestive disorders and blood pressure problems. Nutritionists are developing special schemes for consuming dried fruit as part of health programs, as well as for weight correction. Prunes are a product of processing the Hungarian plum variety. This fruit tree began to be grown in our latitudes not so long ago, but quickly earned the love of the population due to its healing and taste qualities.

Product Information

The domestic plum was brought to the territory of the Russian Federation from Asia. Fruit trees quickly became popular, and the work of breeders became focused on developing cold-resistant varieties. It must be said that it was not particularly successful - the heat-loving Caucasian plum is distributed only in the European part of Russia, as well as in some Far Eastern regions.

Characteristics of home plum

The popularity of the domestic plum reduces its ability to bear fruit only in the seventh or eighth year of the plant’s growing season. Before this, the tree is completely free of fruits. The height of the plum reaches about 6 m, but subject to a good planting site, with sufficient light, moisture, and also in a warm climate. Morphological characteristics plums are next.

Trunk. Round, covered with grayish-white bark, densely dotted with cracks and furrows. The bark of the branches is reddish-brown in color, often smooth, almost glossy. The plum tree branches actively, the branches form a flattened, ovoid-shaped crown.
Leaves. They are placed alternately on the branches, have a medium-length petiole, and a serrated or jagged edge. The shape of the leaf blade is oval, the pinnate veining is clearly visible on the surface. The color of the upper side is dark green, the lower side is bluish-green.
Flowers. Often several are located on old shoots. The color is white-green, the corolla can be simple or semi-double. Flowering accompanies the blossoming of foliage. Home plum exudes a pleasant sweetish aroma.
Fruit. The drupes are oval, round, elongated or flattened, with a clearly visible seam on one of the sides. They have a thin skin covered with a bluish waxy coating. The color ranges from dark red to yellow, depending on the variety. The pulp is juicy, sweet and sour, sometimes with tart notes. In the center of the fruit there is a stone with a rough surface. Active fruiting is observed from the second half of July to August.

Plum trees reproduce interestingly, less often by petioles, more often by seeds or grafting. The fruit tree is classified as a hybrid. The ancestors of the domestic plum are cherry plum and sloe.

Dried plum fruits

Harvesting plum fruits includes canning or drying them. It is in the second case that the most valuable product is obtained - prunes, the medicinal properties of which correspond to fresh fruits, collected from the tree. Making prunes at home is not difficult. To do this you need to go through several stages.

Collection. Starts in the second half of July. Wait until the fruits are fully ripened. In Hungary, the plum variety of the same name is left to ripen until the fruits begin to fall en masse from the tree, which significantly speeds up the process of preparing prunes. In the event of a rainy summer, it is advisable not to delay harvesting, since worms may appear in overripe fruits.
Treatment. The fruits are washed in cold water until the contamination is completely eliminated. There is no need to completely wash off the wax coating. After washing, remove the stalks. To speed up drying, blanch the plums in boiling water for several minutes. After the water has drained, spread on a lined baking sheet in one layer.
Drying. Dryers can be used to dry fruits. In this case, there is no need to blanch the plums. Set the oven temperature to about 50 °C and leave the door open. Leave the fruits for several hours, during which the readiness of the product is checked.

Fresh prunes can be pitted if desired. To do this, just use a flat handle without a rod. Dried prunes Once it has been lying down for some time, it is much more difficult to free it from the pit.

Composition of blanks

By chemical composition prunes are considered one of the richest dried fruits, which increases their value in terms of general strengthening body. It is also valued in dietetics as a means of preventing constipation and an additional source of quick energy. The composition of prunes includes the following compounds.

Sugary substances. These include glucose, sucrose, galactose, and polysaccharides. These substances are easily absorbed by the body and converted into energy without extra effort. The sugar content in the fruits is very high, which determines the impressive calorie content of the final product.
Organic acids. The largest share belongs to malic acid; oxalic, citric, and acetic acid. They are able to improve digestion, stimulating the synthesis of digestive juices, and provide light antimicrobial effect, stimulate the production of urine and bile.
Dyes. They have antibacterial, antitumor, immunostimulating and choleretic properties. Able to activate and support high level metabolic processes.
Pectins. They act in the lumen of the digestive tract as a sorbent, eliminate and prevent intoxication of the body during various poisonings, absorb and remove radionuclides, metal salts, toxic products of food processing and microflora activity.
Cellulose. Cleanses the body of waste and toxins, acts as a mild laxative, and also creates a long-lasting feeling of satiety after eating prunes.
Tannins. They act as active protectors of mucous membranes, since they form an albuminate film on them, which prevents irritating mechanical and chemical influence. Possess astringent action, stimulate epithelial regeneration.
Nutrients. Vitamin composition prunes contain all the essentials for human body components - a full set of B vitamins, carotenoids, vitamin E, as well as ascorbic and nicotinic acid. This gives the dried fruit immunostimulating and restorative properties, as well as the ability to treat and prevent corresponding vitamin deficiencies.
Minerals. Prunes contain a lot of potassium, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the heart muscle and maintaining a stable blood pressure level. The combination of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus provides strengthening bone tissue and tooth enamel. Sodium, iron and cobalt improve hematopoiesis and help increase hemoglobin levels. Iodine and chromium act as active regulators endocrine glands, and at the same time - metabolic processes. Chrome eliminates excessive appetite and reduces cravings for sweets.

Prune seeds should not be swallowed because they contain amygdalin, a glycoside that is life-threatening by its breakdown products (hydrocyanic acid is formed).

Who shouldn't eat

Contraindications for prunes include individual reactions sensitivity. In this case, you should completely avoid eating dried fruit. It is not advisable to eat it when breastfeeding, since some substances for infants can become provocateurs of strong intestinal colic. Prunes should be consumed with caution:

for diabetes mellitus;
people who are obese;
for nervous diseases;
tendency to diarrhea;
with exacerbation of gastric diseases.

Harm of prunes to the body during ulcers duodenum and stomach is provoked by the content of specific substances that can irritate the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines. Acrylamide in prunes is a neurotoxin that is contraindicated in any concentration in case of increased excitability of the nervous system.

Easily digestible sugars can provoke jumps in the corresponding indicators in the blood of a diabetic. Use when overweight is fraught with gaining extra pounds due to the increased calorie content of the product. It is six times higher than that of fresh plums, due to the elimination of water when drying the fruit.

Benefits of prunes for the body

The main reason for treatment with prunes in folk medicine is chronic constipation. Beneficial influence dried fruit on the digestive tract is manifested by the following actions:

improving the secretion of digestive juices;
stimulation of bile synthesis;
activation of digestive processes;
elimination of pathological bacterial agents;
stimulation of regeneration processes on the mucous membrane;
elimination of harmful metal salts and toxins;
increased peristalsis;
softening of stool.

Under the influence of prunes, attenuation is observed inflammatory process with pancreatitis, cholecystitis, active cleansing of the intestines occurs, and with it - improvement of the condition skin. When consumed in moderation, dried fruit helps in the process of losing weight. His by-effect– mild diuretic effect, prevents the occurrence of urolithiasis, helps remove excess fluid from body tissues.

The medicinal properties of prunes actively manifest themselves in relation to the cardiovascular system. The product stimulates hematopoiesis, preventing anemia. It also normalizes heart function and regulates blood pressure. The vitamin content has a beneficial effect on the condition of the vascular walls, and specific substances remove cholesterol, preventing atherosclerotic damage to the veins and arteries, which is very important for men. The saturation of dried fruit with nutrients and minerals ensures the following actions:

prevents vitamin deficiency;
stimulates the immune system;
accelerates recovery from infections;
improves the condition of skin, nails, hair;
increases visual acuity;
normalizes metabolism;
slows down the aging process.

Medicinal use

For preventive purposes, as well as for general health and rejuvenation of the body, prunes should be consumed regularly. It will be a good dessert that stimulates digestion, as well as a filling snack if you take a daily dose between meals.

For emergency weight loss

A strict diet means complete failure from eating fatty, fried and high-calorie food For a three days. Before choosing this path to slimness, you should make sure that you are not allergic to dried fruit. To eliminate several kilograms of weight, you will need about a kilogram of high-quality prunes. Daily dose is 350 g. In the morning and at lunch, consume 100 g of dried fruit, leaving 150 g for dinner. To facilitate the absorption of the product, you can steam it a little in hot water. Along with prunes, you can eat boiled or raw vegetables, black and green tea, kefir.

Infusion for constipation

Peculiarities. The product has a powerful effect approximately two to four hours after use.

Preparation and use

Five large prunes are poured with boiling water (a glass).
Infuse the berries for two hours.
Lightly heat the infusion along with the fruits, mix with a quarter glass of lemon juice.
Use in the morning, on an empty stomach. First, they drink the liquid part, and then snack on it with soaked dried fruits.

Laxative candy

Peculiarities. At acute constipation You will need to eat about four candies at a time. To normalize stool, the product can be consumed regularly, since it does not cause any harm to the body.

Preparation and use

Choose four large prunes and four dried figs.
The ingredients are crushed with a blender or carefully chopped with a knife.
Stir until relatively homogeneous and divide into equal parts.
Use as needed or as a prophylactic.

To strengthen the heart

Peculiarities. The recipe for honey with nuts, dried apricots and prunes has been known for a long time. This drug is used for heart failure, coronary disease and angina pectoris, as well as to regulate blood pressure, eliminate anemia, and normalize blood clotting. According to reviews, it also has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive organs, cleanses the liver, and improves kidney function.

Preparation and use

Take equal amounts of fresh honey, prunes, dried apricots, raisins, and any nuts.
The mixture of ingredients is passed through a meat grinder several times until a homogeneous mass is obtained.
The resulting substance is placed in glass jar for storage in the refrigerator.
Take orally, three times a day, half an hour before meals.

Blood Pressure Remedy

Peculiarities. This recipe will come in handy when high blood pressure due to fatigue or stress.

Preparation and use

Five prunes are finely chopped with a knife.
Pour in hot infusion of black tea.
Drink the infusion along with dried fruits after 15 minutes of infusion.

The use of prunes in any form will help saturate the body with vitamins, normalize stools and increase activity. Dried fruit is characterized by its ability to improve mood and eliminate seasonal blues, especially during the cold season.

Culinary value

Prunes have long been actively used in cooking. Content large quantity pectin allows you to prepare jelly, preserves, and jams with a specific taste from fruits. At the same time, the product is often added to other fruits to emphasize and highlight their taste. It is better to prepare prune compote for the winter together with apples, apricots, and cherries. The combination with drupes guarantees a harmonious interweaving of taste qualities, but prunes do not go well with berries.

Also, dried fruit perfectly sets off and gives a specific taste to meat. At the same time, it goes equally well with pork, beef, and is also used for stuffing poultry. Alcoholic drinks prepared with prunes also have a rich taste.

Honey tincture

Peculiarities. It has amazing flavors and a pleasant aroma. Ideal as a dessert drink.

Ingredients

high-quality prunes – 400 g;
alcohol (45º) – 1.5 l;
vanillin - on the tip of a knife;
dried linden flowers - two tablespoons;
honey – 200 g.

Preparation

Dried fruits are placed in a jar, honey, linden flowers, and vanillin are added to them.
You can infuse prunes in alcohol, diluting it by half. However, a good quality vodka tincture has the best taste.
The mixture of alcohol and dry ingredients is tightly sealed and shaken thoroughly.
Lower the container into the dark cool room for ten days.
After infusion, filter through several layers of gauze into bottles.

The beneficial properties of prunes are concentrated in high-quality dried fruits. The consumption of fruits that have not undergone heat treatment has the most beneficial effect on health. For optimal absorption, the prune pulp should be chewed thoroughly. Regular use of the product will provide reliable health support, strengthen blood vessels, as well as a positive perception of life and a powerful energy boost.

» Plums

Prunes are a fairly common dried fruit., which has found application in medicine, cooking and cosmetology.

But besides positive qualities, it has a number of contraindications. What are the benefits and harms of prunes?

The fruit contains many beneficial substances for the body.. It includes fats, proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, as well as vitamins and microelements:

vitamin A;
B vitamins;
folic acid;
vitamin E;
vitamin C;
potassium;
calcium;
sodium;
magnesium;
chlorine;
phosphorus;
copper;
zinc;
iron.

Thanks to this composition, it helps normalize the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, visual organs and improves immunity.

Besides, fruits contain glucose, sucrose and fructose, which nourish cells with energy and are responsible for the functioning of the body.

All these valuable qualities indicate the undoubted benefits of prunes, which can be taken along with medications.

Protective products. Prunes:

What cures

In addition to the fact that prunes have good taste, it has a beneficial effect on the entire body. It is used to prepare various dietary dishes and for treatment.

First of all, it is recommended to take dried prunes for stomach diseases and for their prevention. You need to eat at least five berries a day. They help normalize metabolism in the body and have a gentle effect on intestinal motility.

Nutritionists advise taking prunes for everyone who wants to lose weight and improve their health. The fiber it contains helps relieve constipation. Regular consumption of prunes helps to reduce up to three kilograms of weight in a short time.

Prunes are a great alternative antibacterial therapy. He works well against oral microbes, slows down their growth, reduces the number of bacteria.

Prunes indicated for a number of cardiovascular diseases: atherosclerosis, hypertension, thrombophlebitis. Daily use drying helps normalize blood pressure and strengthen the walls of blood vessels and capillaries.

Prune berries stimulate brain function. It contains enough sugars and glucose, which charges the body with energy.

Using prunes you can get rid of kidney diseases. Drying can be used to improve vision. The fruits are rich in carotene, which has positive influence to the eye muscle.

Nursing mothers can eat prunes if their baby is prone to constipation. Prunes are often recommended for the prevention of glandular anemia and vitamin deficiency in pregnant women.

Availability sufficient quantity potassium allows the use of drying for urolithiasis to remove bile.

In addition to all of the above, prunes increase appetite, improve skin condition, helps to cheer up and relieve fatigue, has a positive effect on performance. Many women have discovered the anti-aging properties of prunes.

A oncologists advise All girls should regularly consume prunes as a preventive measure against cancer.

It is irreplaceable in any diet. It is added to vegetable salads and consumed soaked.

Therapists advise consuming prunes in the autumn-spring period to improve the body's resistance various diseases. To do this, prune berries are crushed and mixed with nuts and honey. You can add raisins to this sweet salad.

Prunes are rightfully called a storehouse of vitamins and minerals. Regular consumption of prunes reduces the risk of dental caries!

Harm and contraindications for use

It is clear that such healthy fruit cannot cause harm to the body if consumed correctly. However, taking prunes as a medicine must be agreed with a doctor.

In some cases, its use only aggravates the situation:

prunes are a high-calorie fruit, so they should not be taken at some stages of obesity;
Prunes contain a lot of sugar. Patients with diabetes should use dried prunes with caution;
Nursing mothers should give up the fruit if the baby’s colic worsens and bowel dysfunction appears;
The reason for refusing prunes may be individual intolerance and food allergies.

In addition, you should not eat suspicious fruit that was bought too cheap. It most likely contains unacceptable additives and preservatives, which can cause health problems.

How to choose a quality one

It is useful for the common man to know that For quality prunes, it’s better to go to the market. The store shelves are filled with low-quality goods.

When choosing a dryer, it is important to pay attention to the following points:

Taste. A seller who is confident in his product will definitely offer to taste the berry. Don't refuse! The taste of good prunes should be sweetish, with slight sourness, but without obvious bitterness.
Color. Treated fruits do not lose their color if they are soaked in water. A quality product has a rich black color. If you soak it, it will become lighter. In addition, if the drying color is dark brown, then this indicates a bitter taste. It appears due to a violation of production technology.
The whole fruit, which contains a seed, is considered more useful.

To ensure that the treat brings maximum benefit, it needs to be stored correctly.

How to choose prunes:

How to cook at home

For homemade prunes Not all varieties of plums are suitable. It is best to make drying from the following varieties: Hungarian, Renklod, Stanley, Burton, Kroman.

Before drying, plums need to be prepared. The process should not take more than three days. Next, the plum will begin to ferment and the quality of the product will deteriorate.

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Necessary actions:

The plums are washed, sorted and pitted.
Blanch the halves in water with the addition of soda for about 30 seconds.
After which the plum is washed and cooled.
Dry fruits using any in an accessible way: in an electric dryer or oven.

Drying plums in the oven takes place in several stages, each of which lasts at least three hours. First, the plums are dried at a temperature of 55 degrees, after which they are turned over to the other side and cooled.

To make prunes shiny, at the end of drying the temperature is increased to 120 degrees.

Homemade prunes from hard, sour, late plums:

How to store it correctly

If eating prunes should be regular, then it is better to stock up on quality fruit in advance. How to maintain drying so that it brings maximum benefits?

There are several proven methods:

in glass containers;
in bags;
in ziplock bags.

The leader of all the above methods is storing prunes in glass. At proper preparation berries, Shelf life can last up to 12 months:

The fruits are well sorted and dried in the oven, cooled.
Glass containers are sterilized and dried.
The finished fruits are packed tightly into jars and covered with lids.

You can store such prunes in the basement. Important condition- a cold and dark place.

If there is no need to store prunes for so long, then they can be placed in a fabric bag. The shelf life of the fruit is from 3 to 6 months:

The fruits are sorted and dried.
Fabric bags are kept in saline solution about two hours, after which it is dried.
The fruits are placed tightly in bags.

When stored, the berries do not become moldy and do not lose their beneficial properties, but they attract rodents. Therefore, you need to choose a closed and dry storage place.

Buds of fragrant cloves and mint leaves, which are placed near a container of prunes, will help repel insects and pests.

If there are foods with a specific smell nearby, the prunes will absorb them. Store the dryer separately from other products.

The easiest way to store prunes is in plastic bags with a zipper. Shelf life of the workpiece about 1 month:

Sort the berries and dry them in the oven.
Place the drying bags into bags and seal them.
Keep refrigerated.

To allow the prunes to breathe, the bags are not fully zipped.

Prunes are a panacea for many diseases. It helps you enjoy beauty, youth and feel healthy. After a detailed study of all positive properties prunes, doctors recommend it for daily consumption.

The properties of the fruit are preserved during processing. From drying you can prepare desserts, compotes, decoctions, infusions, and add it to hot dishes. It goes well with any type of meat and mushrooms, giving them some sweetness.