Prunes: benefits and harm for the body of women and men

The benefits and harms of prunes for the intestines for constipation

Prunes are known as a fairly effective remedy for constipation. Constipation poses a threat to the health of the entire body. Toxins in large quantities lead to poisoning. Dried plum copes well with this problem:

• Prunes have a complex effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
• Increases the amount of acids and bile released into the intestines. This accelerates peristalsis and significantly increases the release of fluid into the lumen of the colon.
• This sweet contains a small amount of fiber, but it is enough to soften stool and activate bowel movements.
• Normalization of microflora has a beneficial effect on the activation of peristalsis. The sugar in the product has a positive effect on microflora and beneficial bacteria.

If you have other diseases, prunes can have a negative impact on your health:

• An allergic reaction may occur.
• In case of urolithiasis, the use of this dried fruit leads to the movement of stones and blockage of the ureters.
• If you have high acidity, you should not eat prunes often.
• During the period of exacerbation of chronic gastrointestinal diseases, you need to be careful with this dried fruit.
• Flatulence is a direct contraindication to eating prunes.
• Diabetics should be careful when eating dried fruit, especially those with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
• When breastfeeding, it is not recommended to eat prunes, as they have a bad effect on the baby’s gastrointestinal tract.

What is harmful: contraindications and precautions

Dried fruit can be harmful to health . Restrictions:

• obesity, overweight - uncontrolled consumption of dried plums will only worsen the condition. The product is used in dietetics; it is effective, but in small quantities;
• diabetes mellitus – dried fruit contains a large amount of sugar, therefore it is harmful for those suffering from this endocrine disease;
• Women who are breastfeeding - substances that activate peristalsis will definitely get into the milk. This can harm the baby, causing stool problems, colic, and stomach upset. The product may cause allergic reactions in the baby;
• individual intolerance;
• hypotension, gout.

Harm can be caused not only by the prunes themselves, but also by the chemicals with which they are processed (for long-term storage).

Choosing the right dried fruits is important , but the least important thing is to evaluate their beautiful appearance.

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The benefits and harms of prunes for women for weight loss

For those who are on a diet, prunes will have a positive effect on the body:

• Fiber in plums tends to increase in volume. As a result, a persistent feeling of satiety occurs. The feeling of hunger goes away, and the desire to snack on unhealthy food is reduced to a minimum.
• Sorbitol in prunes is a plant fiber that cleanses the digestive tract. This substance will not help you lose a few kilograms, but it will improve the intestinal microflora, rid the body of toxins, and losing weight will become a faster process.
• During dietary restrictions, you should monitor the vitamin composition of the food you consume. Prunes are rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Hair and skin conditions often worsen on low-carb diets. A small amount of prunes will have a positive effect on their beauty and health.
• Vitamins A, B, C and niacin have a beneficial effect on the general condition of the body and support the immune system. Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus of the product will speed up metabolic processes. Excess weight will not stay in the body for long.
• Excessive dieting often leads to anemia. Prunes are ideal for disease prevention.

Speaking about the dangers of this delicacy for weight loss, it is worth remembering its calorie content. 100 grams of dried fruit contains 260 calories. When losing weight, you should not eat more than 6 berries per day. Otherwise, you should not expect a positive effect from the diet.

Harm and benefits of prunes for diabetes

Fresh and dried plums have the ability to reduce the risk of diabetes complications. In type 2 diabetes, it slows down the aging process of the body and helps with constipation. A large amount of dietary fiber, fiber, vitamins and minerals prevent the appearance of tumors in the intestinal tract, cleanse the body of toxins and saturate the body with antioxidants.

It is important for diabetics to get salicylic acid. It is found in prunes and has an anti-inflammatory effect. An age-related problem for diabetic patients is retinal detachment. And in this case, plum will be useful in any form.

If you have type 2 diabetes, you need to be extremely careful when consuming prunes. This product increases glucose levels and is high in calories and sugar. It is extremely undesirable to exceed its daily norm. On average, you need to consume no more than 160 grams per day.

The benefits and harms of prunes for pregnant women

During pregnancy, you need to carefully consider each product before consuming it. It is important to comply with the norm of vitamins, saturate the body with minerals and trace elements. The benefits of prunes during pregnancy are undeniable:

• A large amount of vitamins in the composition is a good support for the general condition of the body and immunity.
• The B vitamins contained in prunes have a good effect on the nervous system during pregnancy.
• It is better to obtain pectins, fiber, acids, fructose, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron and other elements from natural products rather than pharmaceutical preparations. All this is contained in prunes and has a positive effect on the development of the fetus.
• Constipation is not uncommon in pregnant girls. Dried fruit is a natural beneficial remedy for such disorders in the digestive system.
• An important property of prunes is their choleretic effect.
• If you need to increase hemoglobin, then prunes will cope with this perfectly.
• Anemia is a common problem in pregnant women. Dried plum will perfectly help overcome anemia.

Pregnancy is a difficult period for all organ systems. Doctors prohibit the use of not only many medications, but also natural products. Prunes are not prohibited, but it is highly undesirable to abuse them. A few berries will bring a lot of benefits, but exceeding the daily norm provokes an increase in glucose levels.

Botanical description

The raw material for preparing prunes is plums.
House plum (Latin name Prúnus doméstica) belongs to the fruit plants of the genus Plum, subfamily Plumaceae, family Rosaceae.

The tree that bears fruit with plums for making prunes has a height of about 10–15 m, a narrow ovate or broadly ovate crown. The life cycle of a plum tree can be up to 25 years, with a reproductive period of 10 to 15 years. Plum leaves have a simple, alternate shape, with a serrated or crenate edge.

The flower buds of a plum tree are capable of producing from 1 to 3 white flowers with a diameter of 1.5 to 2 cm. The yield of a plum tree depends on its variety. The plum fruit is a single drupe of yellow, purple, red, black, blue or pale green color with a characteristic waxy coating.

The geographical center of origin of the plum tree is considered to be the territory stretching from the Eastern Caucasus to the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, including Asia Minor and the Balkan Peninsula. Optimal conditions for growing plum trees are found in central Russia, in areas where there is loess-like and loamy soil.

The benefits and harms of prunes at night

Prunes can be consumed several hours before bedtime. But it is important to know when to stop. A few things won't do any harm. But in large quantities the berry will not be useful. The reason is a large amount of glucose. If there is no fear of extra pounds, then everything is fine. But a woman losing weight will be upset if this glucose brings uninvited fat.

As you know, prunes have a strong laxative effect. If you abuse it before the evening, then you can forget about a good sleep.

Some time after eating prunes, you may feel a strong feeling of hunger. The temptation to eat again can lead to evening overeating.

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Since ancient times, dried plums (and this is prunes) have been used by chefs all over the world to prepare delicious and healthy dishes. After all, the drying process was used to preserve all the elements that have a positive effect on human health. Nowadays, not a single kitchen in the world can do without this product. So today we’ll find out in more detail why prunes are good for the body, and in what cases they can cause harm.

How much can you eat?

In order for prunes to bring only benefits to the body and not cause any harm, you should find out how much fruit you need to eat. However, there are no specific rules that indicate the number of berries allowed. It's just a food product, not a medicine.

Nevertheless, nutritionists advise eating no more than 12 dried fruits in one day; this amount contains such an amount of fructose that is completely safe for a healthy person.

Twelve berries a day will not affect your figure in any way, but this amount should be divided into several doses. If you eat more prunes, this can lead to the development of diarrhea.

Calorie content of prunes, how much can you eat?

The calorie content of any prune is approximately 230 Kcal per 100 grams, but the composition will delight you with the richness of substances necessary for health:

1. Sucrose, lactose and fructose are healthy substitutes for sugar.
2. Fiber, necessary for the normal functioning of the entire gastrointestinal tract.
3. Vitamins A, C, E, P, D and group B (1 and 2).
4. Mineral elements - magnesium, iron, sodium, calcium, potassium and phosphorus.
5. Malic, citric, salicylic and oxalic acids.

It will be beneficial for a healthy adult to eat up to 6 pieces during the day. If this norm is exceeded, you can get indigestion due to the large amount of dietary fiber in the composition.

Children are allowed to introduce prunes into their diet from the age of 3, starting with small doses, carefully observing the reaction of the little organism.

Composition of dried fruit

Nutritional value is determined by the following indicators:

• fats – 0.41%;
• carbohydrates – 65.8%;
• proteins – 3.19%.

Prunes contain about 30% water and beneficial compounds and elements for the body:

• cellulose;
• amino acids;
• pectin substances;
• sucrose, fructose;
• organic acids - oxalic, citric, salicylic.

The dried fruit is valued for its content of vitamins A and B. The structural formula contains a lot of ascorbic acid and niacin. Mineral varieties - calcium, phosphorus - are beneficial. Potassium is of particular value.

The benefits and harms of prunes for orgasm

Although hardly anyone considers this tasty fruit to be a medicine - it is usually used as an ingredient in some dish. But prunes can solve many problems related to human health and appearance, and all thanks to the following properties:

• diuretic and choleretic;
• antibacterial and tonic;
• has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system and central nervous system.

This explains the ability of prunes to positively influence our well-being and improve overall health:

1. In case of weak immunity, it is useful for its high content of vitamins and microelements. It is advisable to include it in the diet in the spring, when the body’s supply is already depleted. Thus, you will receive additional substances for better resistance to infections.
2. Eating prunes regularly will improve your overall health and mood.
3. The product has a positive effect on the digestive system and the entire gastrointestinal tract.
4. Due to the presence of coarse fibers, all harmful substances, including toxins, are actively removed from the intestines. And dry plum also suppresses the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
5. Since prunes contain iron, they are useful for anemia.
6. The product is able to normalize blood pressure.
7. By increasing the secretion of gastric juice, it increases appetite.
8. Calcium in the composition accelerates choleretic and diuretic processes.
9. And potassium, which is 1.5 times more in dried fruit than in a banana, has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart and blood vessels.

Antioxidants present in prunes are effective in combating the negative effects of free radicals. And this has a preventive effect against the development of tumors in the body.

In case of loss of strength, after suffering a serious illness or surgery, a mixture of honey, nuts and prunes will be very useful.

Prunes for women

For the female body, prunes, in addition to the above properties, are useful in preventing bone fragility. And this is especially important for women during menopause, when it is possible to develop a serious disease - osteoporosis. For this, prunes have everything you need - a lot of calcium and vitamin D.

Weight loss

The product is important for women in its ability to help get rid of extra pounds, which is explained by its following qualities:

• Reduce the amount of “bad” cholesterol in the blood;
• Create fullness in the stomach, maintaining a feeling of fullness for a long time thanks to the low glycemic index;
• Improve mood and protect against the onset of depression due to food restrictions during diets;
• Prevent skin sagging and aging due to volume reduction;
• Activate metabolic processes in the body and relieve constipation, which is especially important in losing weight.

Prunes are an excellent snack between main meals, being a replacement for any high-calorie sweets that you are used to eating.

Pregnancy and lactation

Such an important period for any woman as carrying a baby is not always accompanied by pleasant moments. This applies to mood swings, constipation, blood pressure surges and many other symptoms.

So, prunes will help minimize them, and at the same time provide the body of a woman and child with all the necessary elements. The positive effect of the product also extends to the liver, not loading it, as pharmaceutical drugs do, but having a gentle effect.

A common problem after childbirth is difficult bowel movements. So it is prunes that will help solve it in the best possible way. The only “but” is not to be zealous in its use, which will lead to disturbances in the digestive system of both mother and baby.

About contraindications

Even the healthiest product can cause harm to the body if used excessively and incorrectly. Prunes should not be eaten (in any form) by people who have health problems such as:

• diarrhea with indigestion;
• diagnosed with diabetes;
• intolerance to dried fruit components;
• stones in the kidneys.

Due to their high calorie content, you should not overload on prunes if you are obese - a maximum of 50 g per day. The same amount is recommended for nursing women so as not to cause digestive problems in the baby.

For everyone else, this amazing dried fruit will bring a lot of benefits, and simply give a lot of taste pleasures.

Beneficial properties of prunes

Even though prunes are dried plums, these two products have completely different effects on the body. The content of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber in prunes is much higher, so this product is preferable to use as a medicine.

The beneficial properties of prunes lie mainly in its ability to restore the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, but it is no less useful for other organs and systems:

• increases appetite;
• prevents the proliferation of bacteria, this applies to staphylococcal infections, intestinal infectious diseases and salmonellosis;
• normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, is used for gentle cleansing and normalization of stool, and is considered the most effective folk remedy for constipation;
• burns fat remarkably, so it is recommended to use it when losing weight;
• lowers blood pressure in hypertension;
• restores heart rhythm;
• acts as an antiseptic for diseases of the oral mucosa;
• gives energy and increases productivity;
• has a choleretic and diuretic effect;
• has a rejuvenating effect on the skin;
• considered a natural antioxidant;
• helps increase the body's defenses.

For men

Prunes are considered one of the important foods that should be present in the diet of every man.

Eating 5-6 prunes per day:

• will increase blood circulation, and this in turn will normalize the functioning of the prostate and increase the duration of erection.
• will improve the functioning of the endocrine system, which is responsible for the production of testosterone;
• will increase the sensitivity of erogenous points in the pelvis;
• will slow down age-related changes that negatively affect potency.

For women

Women who eat prunes every day can protect themselves from developing osteoporosis. This is especially true for those women who are entering menopause, since it is at this time that bones become very fragile.

The presence of prunes in your daily diet will help:

• improve mood;
• improve mental and emotional well-being;
• slow down skin aging;
• improve metabolism;
• cleanse the body of harmful substances;
• prevent the appearance of various neoplasms in the body;
• lose extra pounds and maintain optimal weight;
• give the skin softness and elasticity;
• improve complexion;
• protect teeth from caries.

For pregnant

Prunes are very useful for expectant mothers, as they normalize digestive processes, raise hemoglobin levels and effectively combat constipation, which very often bothers pregnant women in the third trimester.

But it is worth considering that the benefits of eating prunes will depend on the number of pieces eaten per day, since the product is very high in calories and contains a large amount of sugar.

Important! Excessive consumption of this dried fruit can cause significant weight gain, a sharp increase in blood sugar levels, or cause diarrhea. Eat prunes in moderation.

For children

Children aged six months can be offered prunes in the form of a decoction, compote or puree. The product should be offered in small quantities and the child’s reaction should be carefully observed.

To begin with, you should give your baby no more than one teaspoon. Next, you need to gradually increase the volume to 100 ml per day.

Whole dried fruits can be given to a child from 2 years old, but no more than 3-4 pieces per day.

Eating prunes in reasonable quantities will normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and saturate the child’s body with essential vitamins and minerals.

The benefits of prunes - video

Medicinal uses of prunes

As mentioned earlier, prunes can solve various health problems. And for this you don’t need to go to the pharmacy and buy medicine. You can prepare the healing composition yourself.

For example, to obtain an infusion you only need to pour 6 dry plums with a glass of boiled water overnight. And in the morning you drink the prepared drink after eating the fruits to cleanse the intestines and maintain its microflora. You can drink this infusion before bed - the effect will be the same.

To get rid of constipation, there is a recipe for making “sweets” from 6 prunes, the same amount of figs and a small spoon of coriander seeds. Mix everything thoroughly and divide the resulting mass into two equal parts, placing them in the refrigerator. Just a couple of these “candies” can significantly alleviate a delicate problem with stool.

During the off-season, when the body lacks vitamins and microelements, eat 1 tablespoon of the following mixture in the morning on an empty stomach or in the evening: 100 g of prunes, dried apricots, raisins, walnuts and a little honey for taste - mix everything well. Regular use of this composition in the recommended amount will provide you with all the necessary substances.

Dry plums can also get rid of calluses. To do this, pour hot milk over the fruits, and after they swell, remove the seeds. While the berries have not cooled down, apply them to problem areas until they cool completely, replacing them with a new portion of the hot mixture, and so on until you have used everything. Repeat the procedure as often as possible.

• Prunes also fight caries, providing a preventive effect. Before going to bed, you will need to thoroughly chew a couple of dry berries.

Choosing quality prunes

An important point is the choice of dried fruit. After all, a low-quality product can, at a minimum, not provide any benefit, and at maximum harm our body.

Good fruits have a matte black hue, a bright sweet taste with slight sourness without bitterness.

If you see a coffee tint, know that the berries were scalded with boiling water, which means that they contain significantly less vitamins. This is done for push safety purposes. Often, in addition to water, caustic soda is also present.

Prunes imported from the United States are often coated with genetically modified soybean oil, giving the product a brownish tint. These fruits have a slight bitter taste and contain a minimum of nutrients.

It is not recommended to purchase dark gray (anthracite) colored berries, as they have been treated with glycerin, which gives them shine. High-quality prunes should not shine - just a little.

You can check the quality of the product yourself - wet the berries and leave them alone for 30 minutes. If after this time you find whitish shades on them, then this means that you are looking at natural, untreated prunes.

Prunes in cooking

With the presence of prunes, there are a huge number of dishes, from simple ones - for every day, to exquisite ones - for holidays. I would like to offer you a recipe for a salad with prunes, walnuts and chicken, which is easy to prepare, but very tasty and healthy:

1. Cut 200 g of pre-cooked chicken fillet, adding 130 g of soaked and chopped dry plums.
2. Cut one fresh cucumber into strips.
3. Boil a hard-boiled chicken egg and grate it.

Now all the products need to be placed in a prepared salad bowl in layers - first prunes, followed by chicken, then cucumber, then a layer of nuts and finally a chopped egg, sprinkled with herbs on top. Each layer is coated with sour cream or mayonnaise at your discretion.

An excellent source of vitamins and a remedy for constipation and abdominal pain in young children is dried plum berry compote. It is prepared very simply and quickly - pour a liter of water into up to 12 fruits with seeds and put them on the stove. After the mixture boils, turn the heat to minimum and cook for another 15 minutes. Then remove from the stove, cover with a clean towel or thick cloth and let stand until it cools completely. For those who have a sweet tooth, you can add a little sugar or honey, but still in a warm drink.

In order to get rid of constipation without resorting to drug treatment, people have long been using traditional medicine. Herbs, vegetables and some dried fruits, for example, prunes, are used successfully for constipation. It quickly and at the same time delicately allows you to solve the problem with the stool.

How to include it in the diet?

1. The first and most important rule is to eat little by little.
2. Do not add to foods rich in easily digestible carbohydrates: quick cereals, honey, baked goods, etc.
3. Eat instead of food, that is, as a complete snack, and not for dessert after a big meal (lunch, dinner).
4. Consume together with healthy fats and proteins, the good source of which is natural dairy products and nuts. Just be careful: a nut snack supplemented with prunes gives the body a lot of calories and a lot of energy. All of them must be burned, otherwise they will turn into fat.
5. It is useful to add prunes to light vegetable salads, which may also contain protein sources, such as chicken. But it is not advisable to put dried plums in fruit salads, since even without this ingredient they contain enough fructose, the excess of which is harmful to the body. Here you will find a selection of 9 salads with prunes and chicken that will help you correctly include this product in your diet.
6. Dried plums are not recommended to be consumed before training if you are training only to lose weight. Because it can slow down the burning of fat deposits. And, on the contrary, it is useful to enjoy them before exercise for those people who dream of sports achievements, and not of losing weight.
7. You should not invent any special ways to include the product in the menu, for example, taking kefir with prunes at night supposedly for weight loss. There is nothing harmful in such a drink. And if you like it, you can use it as a healthy snack, either at night or as an afternoon snack. Just don’t attribute any extraordinary fat-burning properties to it. He doesn't have them.

How much can you eat per day?

There are no clearly established rules that would say how many prunes you can eat per day. Since this is a regular food product, not a medicine.

This is the amount of dried plums that contains the amount of fructose that is safe for most people, including those who need to lose weight. As well as the amounts of plant fiber and sorbitol that make prunes useful for cleansing the intestines, but do not cause diarrhea.

How to take prunes for constipation for children and adults?

Prunes are usually taken as a laxative in the form of so-called juice or infusion. Do it as follows:

• take a glass of dried fruits and pour boiled water so that all the dried plums are completely covered with liquid;
• close the container with a lid and leave at room temperature for 12-24 hours;
• then grind the prunes using a blender in the water in which they were infused;
• filter through a sieve;
• bring the volume to one liter with boiled water.

• If you use this infusion of prunes for constipation to treat a baby, then give him 60 ml (maximum dose 120 ml).
• Older children and adults should take from 120 to 250 ml of “juice”.

However, prunes are useful for the intestines not only in the form of an infusion, but also as a whole. So, if you are too lazy to prepare the “juice”, you can simply eat a few pieces of dried plums every day. This will help normalize bowel movements.

The benefits of prunes for the intestines and body

Prunes are famous for their rare combination of beneficial properties. It is so rich in microelements and vitamins that eating it is simply necessary for health. Dried fruit acts as a good remedy for:

• cleansing the skin from acne;
• prevention of cancer;
• getting rid of staphylococcus;
• removal of internal parasites (roundworms, lamblia).

But its main benefit is the elimination of constipation. It gently and effectively helps cleanse the intestines and improve the functioning of the stomach, therefore it is very popular among people who suffer from frequent constipation.

Vitamins and microelements in prunes

Prunes are recommended as the most useful remedy for problems with bowel movements, as they are rich in a complex of vitamins and microelements. It contains almost the entire group B: B1 – B3, B5, B6, B9, as well as many other compounds useful for any organism:

Sodium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, phenols, sorbitol - all these microelements and substances are present in sufficient quantities in this small berry. Unlike medications, dried fruit is completely safe. It is suitable for the treatment of constipation in both young children and pregnant women.

Prunes are well-dried plums. When purchasing it, the main thing is to pay attention to the color.

It is correct when the product has a matte black color and does not leave any marks on the fingers.

If the berry is shiny, it was well treated with glycerin before sale. Therefore, you will need to thoroughly wash the prunes before eating. Also, when soaking, when the dried product swells, it should turn white in some places. This indicates that it has been dried without the use of chemicals.

Beneficial features

1. Eliminate constipation. Prunes top the list of foods that loosen stool. All dried fruits have similar properties, as they contain a large amount of fiber. However, dried plums work as efficiently as possible, because in addition to fiber they contain the substance sorbitol, which has a strong laxative activity.
2. Adding potassium. The diet of a modern person is such that the body often receives insufficient potassium. Which is especially dangerous against the backdrop of an excess of sodium, which is also characteristic of people’s diets these days. The benefit of prunes for both men and women is that it provides the body with this important trace element in abundance and thus protects against many diseases that are associated with a lack of potassium. First of all, against hypertension and arrhythmia.
3. Improving the functioning of intestinal microflora. The product contains plant fiber, which feeds beneficial bacteria in the intestines. And this helps not only improve the digestive system, but also boost immunity and improve mental well-being. Since the work of the nervous and immune systems is strictly dependent on the functioning of the intestinal biocenosis.
4. Prevention of cardiovascular diseases. To prevent cardiovascular accidents, it is important not only the high potassium content in the product, but also the presence of fiber with antioxidants. These compounds help improve blood lipid profile and combat chronic inflammation in the walls of blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis.
5. Prevention of anemia. The specific benefits of prunes for women are due to the presence of iron and copper in its composition, which help avoid the development of iron deficiency anemia, a disease that affects women much more often. To combat anemia, it is important not only the iron of the product, which is not so much in it, but also copper, which enhances the absorption of iron from food, and which is present in abundance in dried plums.
6. Bone density support. This is another healing quality of dried fruit, especially useful for women. Dried plums contain a lot of boron and potassium. The combined action of these microelements not only helps prevent osteoporosis, but also helps slow down its development when the pathological process has already begun.

How to eat prunes for constipation

In order for prunes to be beneficial for constipation, you must first learn how to use them correctly. The main requirement is thorough treatment with running water. You need to get rid of all harmful substances that may accumulate on the surface.

Then the pit is removed from the berry, and the prunes are ready to be consumed in their pure form. Basically, to get rid of constipation, a decoction or infusion is made from the fruit. This is the fastest way to fix the problem.

Why prunes help with constipation

The principle of how prunes work for constipation is as follows. It contains a lot of plant fibers, the so-called fiber. Once in the stomach, it begins to be saturated with water, turning into a gel-like substance. Fecal masses are enveloped in it, soften and quickly leave the intestines. That is why prunes are an effective natural remedy for those who suffer from constipation, hemorrhoids, and the formation of cracks in the anus.

Which prune is better

Which is better to choose prunes: dried or smoked - it is impossible to answer unequivocally. It all depends on the taste and preferences of the person. There are mainly two types on sale.

Dried prunes have a softer and more delicate taste and are more pleasant to eat. Smoked is more unique and suits people who like smoky foods. The main task: when choosing, pay attention to its appearance, and everything else is a person’s individual preferences.

How many prunes can you eat per day for constipation?

In order for prunes to bring long-awaited relief to the body and intestines, it is necessary to follow the consumption norm. It's better to start with 3 berries per day. If the body does not give a negative or allergic reaction, you can consume up to 10 pieces per day.

How to choose?

In order for prunes to have maximum beneficial properties, it is important to know how to choose them.

You should not buy:

• brown dried plums, since they were most likely scalded with boiling water;
• dark gray prunes, especially those that shine brightly (this appearance indicates treatment with glycerin).

You also need to pay attention to the smell of dried fruit. It should not resemble gasoline fumes or fire smoke.

But there is no need to be afraid of a white coating on prunes. This is usually what dried fructose looks like and may protrude to the surface.

By the way, you can dry plums yourself. You can see how prunes are made at home in a regular oven in the video.

How to store?

At home, prunes can be stored:

• at room temperature in a cabinet located away from the battery, in a closed glass jar or plastic container;
• in the refrigerator (also in a closed jar or container);
• in the freezer (in a plastic container or a special freezer bag).

Do I need to wash it?

Of course, if you did not dry the plums yourself, washing them first.

Wash prunes before use as follows:

• put in a sieve and washed under running water;
• then place in a bowl and fill with water at room temperature for 10-15 minutes;
• then rinse again under running water.

Prune recipes for constipation

Prunes themselves are a very tasty berry. Many people like to eat it in its pure form, without wasting time on preparation. But this method can not help everyone, so prunes are mainly used for constipation in boiled form or added to some dishes.

Compote

Prune compote is best suited for children. Plums are used both dried and fresh. Water, prunes, sugar are mixed and brought to a boil. You can drink this compote warm or cold.

Infusion

Prune infusion is prepared as follows: 13-15 berries are poured with two glasses of boiling water in the evening. Leave it overnight and the product is ready for use in the morning.

The liquid is divided into three equal parts and taken throughout the day. Prune infusion for constipation is best suited during pregnancy.

Prune decoction

A constipation decoction made from dried plum fruits helps relieve constipation for both adults and children after one year. To prepare, you need to mix prunes (200 g) previously soaked in a glass of water with 50 g. sugar and cook over low heat for about 20 minutes. Then cool, strain through cheesecloth and consume one tablespoon before meals.

This product is also suitable for breastfed babies. It will come to him with his mother's milk.

Dried apricots and prunes

Prunes aren't the only thing that helps relieve bowel movements. It can be mixed with an equally healthy dried fruit - dried apricots. For this, the ingredients in equal parts (pre-crushed) are mixed with honey.

You need to eat this dish every morning on an empty stomach after waking up. This recipe is suitable even for small children after one year. The main requirement for use is the tolerance of each ingredient.

Constipation mixture

An equally tasty recipe for constipation includes a mixture of figs, prunes, and dried apricots. Everything is taken in equal proportions and crushed in a blender. After that, cinnamon is added to the resulting mixture and a small ball is formed in the form of a chocolate candy. You can take the product up to 4 times a day.

Prunes with kefir for constipation

Kefir, like prunes, is a good and mild remedy for constipation. And the combination of these ingredients only enhances the effect. Dry berries need to be mashed in your hands and mixed with kefir, left for a couple of hours. Then take the product before meals.

Dessert of prunes with cottage cheese

People with frequent constipation can include a dessert based on prunes and cottage cheese in their diet. The recipe is quite simple: prunes are mixed with cottage cheese and a few spoons of sour cream. This dish, in addition to its benefits, is also beautiful. It can be placed on any holiday table.

Dried fruit salad

Salad based on dried fruits should be eaten more often by those people for whom constipation is problem No. 1. The dish can be eaten 2-3 times a day along with main dishes. To prepare you will need:

The ingredients are taken in equal parts and seasoned with olive oil. This dish can be eaten throughout the day and is also a good snack before your main meal.

Manufacturing Features

Not all varieties of plums are used to obtain finished prunes. The percentage of dry matter in a suitable fruit must be at least 20%, and the sugar concentration must be at least 12%. In industrial conditions, plum varieties such as Vengerka, Blue Bird, Renklod Karbysheva, and Izyum-Erik are used to produce prunes.

The process of making prunes includes the following steps:

1. Selected plum fruits are thoroughly washed under running water and blanched. This step allows you to soften the plum peel and remove any remaining air from it. In addition, during the blanching process, oxidative elements are destroyed, but the basic composition of the fruit is preserved.
2. Next, the characteristic waxy coating is removed from the surface of the plums by soaking the fruits in a 1% solution of caustic soda for 15–20 seconds.
3. At the final stage, the plums are cooled, after which the fruit raw materials are dried in specialized tunnel cabinets at a temperature of 40–50 degrees for 3–5 hours. If necessary, after the specified time, the temperature is increased and the plums continue to dry until the finished product is obtained.

Prunes for constipation during pregnancy

Most pregnant women suffer from frequent constipation. Since the body works for two, and the expectant mother is always hungry, and the enlarged uterus puts pressure on the intestines, she is well aware of problems with bowel movements. But most medications cannot be used by women expecting a child, as they have many side effects.

Prunes for constipation during pregnancy are suitable as the best and mildest remedy for cleansing the intestines.

Dried fruit can be taken in the form of compote or decoction. Every morning, an expectant mother who suffers from constipation needs to eat 4 berries of steamed fruit.

The main thing is not to overdo it with treatment, so as not to develop an allergy to the product. Also, due to the high sugar content and frequent consumption of prunes, you can gain excess weight.

Application for infants

It’s hard for a mother when her baby starts having problems with bowel movements. Both medicines and traditional medicine are used. But much of what folk remedies offer is not always suitable for a very young child. His body is not yet familiar with foods that are useful for this difficult problem. However, prunes are not prohibited for babies; they are the most popular remedy for constipation for babies.

But not all children can eat this healthy dried fruit. There are several contraindications for using prunes for constipation in infants:

• decreased hemoglobin;
• formation of chronic diseases;
• age up to 3 months.

Dried fruit is also categorically contaminated at the slightest manifestation of an allergic reaction, so it is best to start using it with a small teaspoon of puree with a certain time interval. This will help identify allergies to the product.

How to give prunes to a child with constipation

If the baby is less than 3 months old and has problems with bowel movements, then the mother can eat prunes, drink compote or decoction. The beneficial substances will be transferred to the baby through mother's milk and act as a mild laxative. When the baby is already 3 months old or more, you can give prunes for constipation in the form of compote or puree.

Prune puree for children

To prepare the puree, prunes need to be soaked in advance, preferably overnight. Then in the morning remove the peel from it and grind through a sieve. Then boil a little in a water bath with a small amount of water. Allow to cool and serve to baby in small doses.

Recipe for prune compote for babies

The compote recipe for a very young child is simple. You only need 3 ingredients: prunes, sugar, water. Take 100 grams per glass of liquid. product and 50 gr. Sahara. The mixture is brought to a boil. After it has cooled, you can give it to your baby in small spoons half an hour before meals.

Use in dietetics

People trying to lose weight are interested in information about how many calories are in dried fruit and how to consume it while on a diet. The calorie content of prunes is 245 kcal per 100 g.

Considering the ability of dried plums to stimulate the elimination of toxins and regulate metabolic processes, nutritionists recommend introducing this dried fruit into the diet for the purpose of weight loss. Thanks to its pronounced sweet taste, prunes successfully replace sweets.

To dull the feeling of hunger, eat six berries previously softened in boiling water. This is a good alternative to dinner.

Dried plums are combined with boiled beets, raw carrots or celery. The products are crushed in a blender or made into salads.

To lose weight and eliminate the risk of vitamin and mineral deficiency, use several varieties of dried fruits to prepare dietary foods.

Ingredients:

• dried apricots with raisins – 100 gr.
• rose hips with figs – 200 g each.
• prunes – 400 gr.
• senna grass – 50 gr.

How to cook:

1. Mix the products.
2. Grind by passing through a meat grinder.
3. Place in a glass container.
4. Place in the refrigerator.

Take a tablespoon after breakfast and dinner. Follow a regimen that requires drinking at least 1.5 liters of purified water daily. Read more about how to use prunes for weight loss here.