Fruit Prunes

 Most prunes are freestone cultivars (the pit is easy to remove), whereas most plums grown for fresh consumption are clingstone (the pit is more difficult to remove).

Prunes are 64% carbohydrates, including dietary fiber, 2% protein, a rich source of vitamin K, and a moderate source of B vitamins and dietary minerals. The sorbitol content of dietary fiber likely provides the laxative effect associated with consuming prunes.

A prune is a dried plum, most commonly from the European plum (Prunus domestica). Not all plum species or varieties can be dried into prunes. A prune is the firm-fleshed fruit (plum) of Prunus domestica varieties that have a high soluble solids content, and do not ferment during drying. Use of the term "prune" for fresh plums is obsolete except when applied to varieties of plum grown for drying.

Health effects

Prunes contain dietary fiber (about 7% of weight; table) which may provide laxative effects. Their sorbitol content may also be responsible for this, a conclusion reached in a 2012 review by the European Food Safety Authority. The report also demonstrated that prunes effectively contribute to the maintenance of normal bowel function in the general population if consumed in quantities of at least 100 grams (3.5 oz) per day.

Nutrition

Prunes are 31% water, 64% carbohydrates, including 7% dietary fiber, 2% protein, and less than 1% fat (table). Prunes are a moderate source of vitamin K (57% of the Daily Value, DV) and a moderate source of several B vitamins and dietary minerals (4-16% DV; table).

Phytochemicals

Prunes and prune juice contain phytochemicals, including phenolic compounds (mainly as neochlorogenic acids and chlorogenic acids) and sorbitol.

Q. What are prunes called in India?

ANS. Alu Bukhara.

Prunes are actually the dried version of European plums and are also known as dried plum. In India, the prune (both dried and fresh) is known as Alu Bukhara in Hindi.

Q. What are prunes good for?

ANS. Here are 11 top health benefits of prunes and prune juice.

·         Helps digestion. Prunes are high in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. ...

·         May help control the urge. ...

·         High in potassium. ...

·         High in vitamins. ...

·         Provides a good source of iron. ...

·         Builds bones. ...

·         Reduces cholesterol levels. ...

·         May help lower blood pressure.

 

Q. Is prune and raisins the same?

ANS. The main difference between prunes and raisins is that prunes are a species of dried plums, while raisins are dried grapes.

 

Q. Which fruit is prune?

ANS. Plums

Prunes are plums that have been dehydrated for preservation purposes. Sometimes called dried plums, prunes are deep red-brown with a chewy texture and a savory-sweet flavor.

 

Q. Can prunes be eaten daily?

ANS. Feren says prune lovers are advised to eat around 30 grams, or three to four prunes, a day. That is equal to one serve of fruit – adults are encouraged to have two daily serves of fruit. He adds that your second serve of fruit per day should be made up of other fruit varieties.

 

Q. What is the Indian substitute for prunes?

ANS. Though you may not get the same properties, prunes can be substituted with dried figs or the Indian jardaloo (a kind of apricot). The iron content is high in both and the taste is also sweet, similar to prunes.

 

Q. Who should not eat prunes?

ANS. The insoluble fiber in prunes can cause or worsen diarrhea.

This is why you need to avoid them when you have diarrhea (2). There have also been certain cases of people who had experienced diarrhea post the ingestion of prunes and prune juice (3). This can be attributed to the laxative property of prunes.

 

Q. Are prunes called dates?

ANS. Dates and prunes are usually consumed in their dried form and look similar. However, they are two completely different species of fruit, and each has its own specific properties: Taste: Dates are the sweeter of the two fruits. Eaten raw, they are less intensely sweet, and will have a lighter texture.

 

Q. Why do men eat prunes?

ANS. Prunes have vitamins and minerals that likely work together to protect the bone, including fiber, vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, boron, copper and polyphenols.

 

Q. How many dried prunes should I eat a day?

ANS. Hooshmand says how many prunes you should eat in a day depends on the size of the prunes themselves, but current research recommends 50 grams of prunes per day which is equal to about 5 to 6 prunes.

 

Q. Which country is famous for prunes?

ANS. California produces 99 percent of the nation's prunes and 70 percent of the world's prune crop. Other major prune-producing countries are France, Chile, and Argentina.

 

Q. Are prunes good for weight loss?

ANS. Research by the University of Liverpool has found that eating prunes as part of a weight control diet can improve weight loss. Consumption of dried fruit is not readily recommended during weight loss despite evidence it enhances feelings of fullness.

 

Q. What are the benefits and side effects of prunes?

ANS. Some possible prunes benefits include better heart, gastrointestinal, bone, and digestive health, a controlled appetite, and a slower aging process. However, they also have some drawbacks, including possible allergies, increased diarrhea risk, gastrointestinal distress, and exposure to acrylamide.

 

Q. Are prunes a superfood?

ANS. Dried prunes are great to snack on. Also, it is one superfood that helps you maintain your appetite, and controls the urge for sugary and fried food. That's all because of pectin.

 

Q. Are prunes high in sugar?

ANS. Photo Alto. "Dried fruit often gets a bad rap for people with diabetes, but prunes contain no added sugars, are lower on the glycemic index scale than most dried fruit, and provide three grams of fiber per serving," says Palinski-Wade.

 

Q. What is the difference prune and plum?

ANS. A plum is a relative of cherries, peaches, and almonds while a prune is a variety or a type of plum. Most varieties of plums have red skins when ripe, but prunes have blue or purple skins when ripe. Prunes are oval-shaped while other types of plums are either heart-shaped or round-shaped.

 

Q. Are prunes better than raisins?

ANS. Prunes: They are lower in sugar and calories than raisins, rich in fiber, and pose less risk from pesticides. Goji berries: While high in calories, they contain about 30% less sugar than raisins and higher levels of antioxidants.

 

Q. Is it better to eat prunes at night?

ANS. Prunes which are basically dried plums are excellent for sleep. They are rich in vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium and help in the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep.

 

Q. Do prunes help you sleep?

ANS. Prunes. The nutrients in dried plums — vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium, to name a few — help make melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Use prunes as a whole-grain toast topping, mix them into trail mix, or eat them on their own about 30 minutes before bedtime.

 

Q. What is the healthiest way to eat prunes?

ANS. Adding more prunes to your diet

·         Eat them alone as a snack.

·         Add prunes to your breakfast oatmeal.

·         Mix them with nuts, other dried fruits such as apricots, and dark chocolate chips for a healthy trail mix.

·         Add them to baked goods.

·         Blend them (or use prune juice) for drinks or smoothies.