P is for Prunes

HEALTH MATTERS – ALPHABET OF HEALTHY FOODS – P IS FOR PRUNES

This time it is P for Prunes, the dried fruit of plum trees. Love them or hate them they are an excellent way to get more fibre into your diet and help with constipation. We are a constipated Nation and most of us do not get enough fibre in our diets! Fibre helps waste move more efficiently through the intestines.

The incidence of bowel and rectal cancer is on the rise because of the lack of fibre in the average diet. We should all be getting at least 30g of fibre each day. Processed food is the main culprit because processed foods are low in fibre and loaded with salt, sugar and fat which is why they taste good, but they are not healthy and hard for the body to digest.

Prunes also contain protein, potassium, manganese, iron, calcium, and Vitamins B6, C, D, E, and K, so packed with goodness. They are rich in plant compounds called polyphenols which help protect us from disease.

🌱 Prunes are highly nutritious and contain over fifteen different vitamins and minerals.

🌱 Prunes have a high fibre content which we need to avoid constipation.

🌱 Prunes also contain antioxidants which protect us from disease. Antioxidants help reduce inflammation in the body and protect cells from damage by free radicals.

🌱 Prunes are higher in calories than plums but can be effective in reducing constipation.

🌱 They also have more vitamin K and higher vitamin B content than plums and many other fruits.

Why not try adding chopped prunes to fruit cakes and reduce the processed sugar? They are a moist and tasty addition to cakes and desserts. There are many reasons to include prunes in your diet, so why not give this healthy food a try?

Live with joy and health 💚
Elizabeth Beetham