Prunes: calorie content, benefits and harm to the body, folk recipes, reviews. How many prunes can you eat?

Dried fruits are of great value to the human body. They contain many useful substances, which remain in full even after drying the fruit. One of these healthy dried fruits is prunes. They season salads and are used as desserts and snacks.

Prune composition and calorie content

Prunes actually contain an abundance of vitamins. The product contains a large amount of organic acids, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, citric acid and even oxalic acid.

The fruit is ideal for replenishing potassium deficiency in the body. It contains 1.5 times more of this substance than the same banana.

Dried fruits contain a wide range of vitamins: A, PP, C and B. However, the calorie content of the product is high and amounts to 231 kcal.

Properties of prunes

These fruits are considered an excellent alternative to fresh fruits in the winter due to their usefulness and availability. Its distinctive features are increased nutritional value and a sour-sweet taste. In stores you can find dried fruits without seeds and with seeds. It is recommended to choose soft, whole fruits. For best storage, place them in a cool, dark place to prolong their shelf life. Prunes contain many beneficial substances and microelements:

• ascorbic acid
• antioxidants
• vitamins B, C, E and PP
• vitamin and mineral complex (fiber, sugar, beta-carotene, pectin, starch and organic acids)
• trace elements (iodine, copper, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, fluorine, magnesium, potassium, cobalt, iron, calcium and sodium)

Note! Dried black plum fruits contain 1.5 times more calcium and potassium than a banana, which is literally saturated with these microelements.

How to cook it yourself

The greatest benefits of prunes for men are observed from fruits prepared independently, because when harvesting in bulk, pre-treatment with boiling water is used, rather than prolonged drying. And with intensive heat treatment, the fruits are deprived of most of their beneficial substances.

Preparing prunes on your own is quite simple. To do this, you will need ripe sweet black plum fruits, which must first be well dried. It is not recommended to take unripe fruits, as they contain fewer nutrients and the dried fruits will turn out sour. Properly prepared fruits can be consumed in their pure form, made into infusions or added to salads , meat and other dishes.

Effect of fruits

Prunes are high in fiber, which is why they are often consumed for constipation. Dried fruits also have other medicinal properties including:

• increased blood circulation
• prostate treatment
• improving the functioning of the endocrine system
• normalization of blood pressure
• increasing testosterone levels
• increased secretion of gastric juice
• increased appetite
• improved metabolism
• activation of the excretory system
• normalization of kidney and liver activity
• treatment of dermatological problems

The content of organic acids (citric, malic, oxalic and salicylic) and polyphenol helps to increase the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels and arteries, and stimulates the activity of the cardiovascular system. Dried fruits also reduce capillary fragility and improve the filling of the genitals with blood. In addition, they have a tonic effect, improving well-being and increasing performance.

Prunes have beneficial properties for people with excessive sweating and frequent swelling, as well as for urolithiasis. The antioxidant effect of dried fruits increases the body's resistance to the negative effects of polluted environment and radiation, and also activates protective functions.

Very often, prunes are used to solve dermatological problems. For example, for ulcers, purulent wounds, inflammation and damage to the surface of the skin. It can also be used to treat scars and acne scars. Various mixtures based on these dried fruits are popular due to their anti-aging properties, increasing skin elasticity and tone, normalizing complexion and eliminating dark circles under the eyes.

The benefits of prunes for women

First of all, prunes are beneficial for the female body in that they help stabilize the nervous system. It helps to cope with depression, eliminate symptoms of anxiety and irritability. It is precisely these problems that women very often face against the background of changes in the hormonal sphere.

Dried fruits will help clean blood vessels and improve heart function. Prunes help improve vision.

Antioxidants contained in fruits help prevent the risk of developing cancer.

Prunes will help you always look young and fresh; they help smooth out wrinkles and eliminate carbon rash. Stimulates the production of collagen, which is very important for skin health.

Osteoporosis affects women more often, and dried fruits help reduce the risk. Therefore, they are recommended to be consumed daily.

Beneficial properties for the body

The impact of prunes on health is enormous. The use of this product (within reasonable limits, of course) can have the best effect on the condition and appearance of any person:

• Dried plum fruits are widely used in folk medicine to improve the functioning of the digestive system . A handful of prunes a day greatly facilitates the process of digestion and absorption of food, and serves as a prevention of indigestion and bloating.
• The product has a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora , significantly reducing the risk of malignant tumors in the large intestine.
• The mild laxative effect is well known . The product helps to easily and painlessly cope with constipation, accelerate the natural cleansing of the intestines, and remove toxic substances and waste from the body. By the way, because of this effect, it is recommended to eat prunes during fasting days, as well as for those who are on a diet and want to get rid of extra pounds.
• The high content of natural antioxidants significantly improves the functioning of metabolic processes in the body, slows down aging and wear of organs, and also serves as a preventive measure for many diseases, including the formation of malignant tumors.
• B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin) are also included in plum fruits; Our body needs them for normal metabolism, absorption of food and its carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Vitamins of this group also have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, improve mood, normalize sleep, and help cope with insomnia.
• Prunes contain a large dose of calcium and vitamin A , which is responsible for the growth and development of the body, strengthening bone tissue and tooth enamel.
• Dried plums are also extremely useful for the functioning of the immune system . Ascorbic acid contained in plums has an excellent effect on the immune system, strengthening it and reducing the risk of many diseases.
• Vitamin K is necessary for hemoglobin synthesis and normal functioning of the circulatory system.
• Potassium in the composition is necessary for the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system, strengthening the heart muscle, and preventing heart and vascular diseases. Thanks to prunes, heart function is regulated and blood pressure is normalized. It is recommended to add the product to your diet for people suffering from hypertension and migraines.
• Tocopherol contained in plums is extremely beneficial for women’s health and the beauty of hair, nails and skin.
• The product is good for liver health , its restoration and improvement of the functioning of this organ.
• Prunes have antibacterial properties; when consumed, they cleanse the oral cavity of germs and reduce the risk of caries.
• Dried fruits contain vitamins and minerals necessary for the body : iodine, iron, fluorine, molybdenum, manganese, boron, phosphorus, aluminum and many others. These elements strengthen the body, improve its functioning, satisfy the need for vitamins and are useful for vitamin deficiency.

Benefits of prunes for men

Prunes have pronounced beneficial properties for the male body. First of all, dried fruits help cope with heart disease, which very often overtakes men after the age of 40. Potassium, contained in large quantities in the product, reduces the risks of developing diseases such as stroke and heart attack. It helps strengthen and cleanse blood vessels.

Prunes will also help solve problems with potency, especially with a combination of dried apricots, walnuts and honey. All dried fruits and nuts are ground to a homogeneous mass in equal parts and mixed with liquid honey. Drinking one tablespoon of this healing mixture daily will significantly improve the quality of sexual relationships.

Benefits for women

Women who have entered menopause are at risk of developing osteoporosis. However, just 100 g of black delicacies per day - and this disease can not only be prevented, but also reversed. The whole secret is that prunes contain the necessary amount of bromine, which helps calcium to be better absorbed.

Now it’s clear why many nutritionists and doctors advise including cottage cheese with prunes in your diet. After all, if calcium is combined with bromine, bone fragility can be avoided.

Antioxidants contained in drupes help slow down cell aging and reduce the risk of tumor development. This is especially appropriate for women who live in big cities.

Dried plum will be equally useful for both thin women and those prone to obesity. In the first group, it stimulates the formation of gastric juice, thereby provoking appetite. Secondly, the fiber in the pulp will help you lose a couple of extra pounds. Fiber is very useful for the intestines: it cleanses toxins and makes it work like a clock. And this is already half the battle in the fight against excess weight.

To lose weight, a handful of dried fruits are poured with 200 ml of kefir and left for 30 minutes to swell. Taken instead of breakfast.

Nutritionists say that it is enough to eat just 5 dried fruits and 13% of a person’s fiber needs will be met. But the main rule remains in force - do not eat after 18 hours.

Women who spend a lot of time under mental and intellectual stress by regularly eating dry fruits will improve their memory and be able to perform their work better.

Women who have high or low blood pressure will bring it back to normal.

If you include stone products in your diet for girls who have difficulty with premenstrual syndrome, then thanks to magnesium, pain and discomfort will fade into the background.

For expectant mothers

While waiting for a miracle, representatives of the fair sex may encounter such a nuisance as irregular trips to the toilet. Plum is an ambulance in troubles. This is a mild laxative that cleanses the intestines of toxins and stabilizes the microflora.

It also maintains the level of hemoglobin in the blood at the proper level.

Anxiety, irritability, depression, insomnia are frequent companions of pregnant women. Prunes allow you to avoid this and provide the psychological comfort necessary during this period.

For nursing mothers

Nursing mothers can also include prunes in their diet. But it is better to do this no earlier than 3 months after birth. It is necessary to introduce a couple of pieces gradually, preferably in the morning, to monitor the baby’s reaction.

For children

When complementary foods are introduced, children may experience constipation. In such cases, the fruit has a softening effect. They begin to administer it at 9 months in the form of a puree, adding it to porridge, or as a separate meal, and also make a light decoction or fruit compote.

If the child is breastfed, then it is enough for the mother to drink prune compote. The laxative effect will affect the peristalsis of both mother and baby.

The benefits of prunes for weight loss

Prunes, after drying, retain all useful components and sugar. We emphasize the product’s ability to remove toxins and stimulate metabolism. The main rule for using dried plums during weight loss is not to exceed the norm. Dried fruits are ideal for replacing sweets and baked goods.

In order not to stimulate appetite, it is recommended to consume it 1 time, 5-7 fruits. A smaller amount will only increase the feeling of hunger. If a person needs to gain weight, then on the contrary, you need to eat 2-3 fruits, then you will want to eat and you can start the main meal.

How to choose healthy and tasty prunes

As a rule, good prunes can be found at the market. This product is also available in stores, but not of very high quality.

When choosing healthy prunes, you should definitely pay attention to a number of points:

• A good dried fruit has a sweetish taste with a slight sourness without bitterness.
• The color of the product should be deep black.
• The most useful is the dried fruit, which is sold together with the seed.

It is recommended to purchase prunes only from a trusted seller in order to be absolutely sure of their quality.

Using prunes for medicinal purposes

Prunes are widely used in folk medicine. To strengthen immune forces. The mixture will require 200 g of dried fruits and a couple of lemons (oranges). All components are ground and mixed with honey. You need to take 1 tablespoon of this vitamin mixture daily. Preferably for breakfast.

To improve intestinal function, it is recommended to consume 5-6 fruits throughout the day, washed down with a glass of warm boiled water.

A decoction of dried fruits is also suitable for normalizing the gastrointestinal tract. You should drink 150 ml of the drink daily. After just 2 weeks, a person will notice improvements and normalization of intestinal function. If stool appears several times a day, the dose should be reduced.

Prunes: calorie content per 100 g

• If we talk about what prunes are rich in, then it will probably be easier to say what they don’t contain, they are so rich in vitamins and nutrients.
• Ascorbic, nicotinic and folic acids, retinol and thiamine, cyanocobalamin and pyridoxine, tocopherol, vitamins A and E - this is not a complete list of vitamins that contribute to the smooth functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. And also bioflavonoids, pectins, phytoncides, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, a lot of fiber and natural sugars ...
• As you can see, the chemical composition of prunes is extremely wide. Basically, prunes consist of carbohydrates , fats and proteins; they contain several times less.

By train

The calorie content of dried prunes is 240 calories per 100 g. This is quite a lot, so you should not consume this product in unlimited quantities.

Application in cosmetology

For cosmetic purposes, prunes practically work wonders. To improve the quality of the skin and achieve a rejuvenating effect, you should make a mask for 2 weeks. To do this, the fruits are thoroughly ground, pre-soaked in warm water, and mixed with flour and honey. Then the resulting mixture is applied to the skin of the face. After 20 minutes, wash off with warm water.

To get rid of acne, prunes are soaked in water and mixed with potato starch. Apply to the skin and wash off after 20-25 minutes. It is better to wash off this composition with boiled water.

Effective recipes for male power

To increase potency, healers recommend eating prunes daily. Vitamin mixtures with nuts, honey and other dried fruits are prepared on its basis.

Salads and even desserts that you can make yourself have beneficial properties.

Vitamin mixtures

A tasty and healthy way to increase male power is to eat prunes in combination with honey and nuts, which enhance the effect of dried fruits. The dishes are prepared as follows:

• 200 g of prunes and dried apricots must be chopped and mixed. Add 160-170 g of crushed walnuts. Pour in a glass of honey. Grind all components in a meat grinder or mix in a blender until a homogeneous substance is obtained. Eat a tablespoon in the morning and evening, washed down with natural yogurt without additives;
• Pour a glass of prunes and walnuts into a plate and finely chop with a knife. Pour a glass of honey into a jar and pour nuts and dried fruits into it. Stir. Take 15 ml before each main meal.

Salads

An alternative to mixtures is salads with prunes. To prepare them you need:

• Chop the walnuts with a rolling pin. Separate the same number of prunes from the pits and soak in warm water. Dry and chop finely. Place the ingredients in a salad bowl, mix, add sesame seeds. Serve;
• You will need an equal amount of prunes, dried apricots, raisins, dried figs. Chop them and put them in a salad bowl. Season with sour cream, yogurt or honey to taste. The dish is ready to eat.

Dessert

It is better to replace flour dishes and sweets with high sugar levels with healthy desserts. Crafting recipes:

• Grind 40 g prunes and dried apricots and mix. Add 2 tablespoons of sour cream to the dessert. The resulting dish must be eaten immediately; the beneficial properties are retained only in a fresh cocktail;
• Homemade candies effectively replace store-bought ones. Finely chop 100 g of prunes, figs, dates and dried apricots. Add 50 g of chopped hazelnuts there. Add 2 teaspoons of honey and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix and form into balls. They should be rolled in coconut or sesame seeds.

Prunes harm and contraindications

Prunes cannot be called the most harmless product.
In some cases, dried fruits can be harmful. First of all, people with diabetes should use it with great caution. After all, it contains a lot of carbohydrates, which can cause a sharp jump in glucose, so you should not eat more than 3 fruits a day. Severe obesity is also an absolute contraindication to consuming dried plums. An increased amount of carbohydrates will only contribute to the deposition of fat in the body.

A large amount of dried fruits taken in food can cause renal colic. Therefore, they are used with great caution in case of kidney failure or problems with the genitourinary system.

Contraindications for use and harm

Contraindications for use and harm from dried prunes are minimal given their beneficial properties, however, you must be careful in the following cases:

• If a person suffers from diabetes, eating prunes can cause a worsening of the condition and a sharp jump in blood sugar. However, you do not have to completely avoid the product if your doctor gives you permission to use it;
• for people suffering from obesity, it is not advisable to eat dried fruit regularly, so as not to aggravate the situation;
• if you eat prunes in large quantities, it can lead to stomach upset and diarrhea;
• you cannot abuse tinctures for weight loss and cleansing the intestines prepared with prunes, otherwise it will lead to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Nursing mothers should not eat prunes to prevent the baby from developing an allergic reaction;
• It is also prohibited to use the product if you have individual allergic reactions or intolerance;
• Avoid low-quality prunes or products that undergo special processing.

Consumption of low-quality products is fraught with poisoning - nausea, headache, diarrhea.

To choose a quality product, pay attention to its color, which should be dark blue or black. If the prunes have a light brown or greenish tint, this means that the plum was dried unnaturally. In addition, the surface of dried fruits should be matte and not glossy, since gloss is a clear sign that the product has been treated with glycerin.

Can pregnant women or breastfeeding eat prunes?

• The answer to this question depends on how the woman herself feels. Swelling is often observed during pregnancy, and in this case, prunes definitely won’t hurt, the main thing is to agree on its daily amount with your doctor.
• This dried fruit will also help if a pregnant woman experiences constipation . But frequent diarrhea, on the contrary, is a contraindication to eating prunes. A small amount of the product daily will help eliminate not only constipation and swelling, but also hypertension, dysbacteriosis and anemia , which pregnant women often suffer from. In addition, by relieving swelling, prunes help avoid gaining excess weight.

Useful for expectant and young mothers

• Now let’s answer the question, can a nursing mother eat prunes? Nursing mothers should be careful when using this healthy dried fruit. During feeding, the substances contained in it can damage the digestive processes in the baby's body. It is better to avoid prunes altogether in the first months of lactation .
• You should be attentive to the amount of prunes and those women who suffer from diabetes. In this case, both during pregnancy and lactation, it is better not to eat it, or eat it in limited quantities, as agreed with your doctor.