Studies have shown that eating prunes supports bone health, especially in postmenopausal women.
Prunes are a source of potassium – a mineral associated with a decreased risk of bone loss and osteoporosis – which helps to increase bone mineral density while reducing bone breakdown.
Prunes contain magnesium, which is important for bone structure, and vitamin K, which plays an important role in bone mineralization.
Additionally, prunes are filled with plant-based compounds called polyphenols, which promote bone health by reducing bone mineral loss.
Amaz!n™ Prunes not only make a sweet and satisfying snack, but have also been shown to promote satiety and help with weight control.
At only 100 calories per serving (40 grams or about 4 whole prunes), prunes contain 3 grams of dietary fiber and no fat.
Compared to other dried fruits, prunes are lower in sugar and have a low glycemic index of only 29. This means they are digested and absorbed slowly by the body, which helps to sustain energy over a longer period of time compared to foods with a higher glycemic index.
A recent study shows that compared with other snack foods, prunes may help to lower blood glucose levels, increase satiety, and suppress hunger.
Adding Amaz!n™ Prunes to the diet can support a healthy heart. Prunes are low in both sodium and fat, and contain 3 grams of dietary fiber in every serving.
A high intake of dietary fiber has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
A study from UC Davis found that eating just 10-12 prunes daily lowered LDL cholesterol levels (the “bad” cholesterol that contributes to plaque buildup) in men.
One of the most well-known health benefits of Amaz!n™ Prunes is their contribution to digestive health.
Prunes and prune juice are naturally a good source of fiber as well as sorbitol, a sugar-like substance similar to glucose.
However, unlike glucose, sorbitol is absorbed slowly into the blood which allows it to hold water, increasing the moisture content of the stools, leading to easier passage from the body.
The sorbitol content in prunes, along with a unique combination of nutrients, helps the body regulate digestion.
Prunes’ nutrient properties make them an extremely versatile ingredient.
Prunes contain fiber, sorbitol, malic acid, and polyphenols, which allow them to work wonderfully as a natural meat tenderizer, retain meat moisture and enhance savory flavors.
Pureed prunes can be used as a substitute for fats and in place of refined sugar – both techniques that can reduce calories and add nutrients without compromising flavor.
Our Fudgy Chocolate Cake recipe, for example, is deliciously lightened up with Sunsweet® Prunes.
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