How To Eat Prunes During Pregnancy?

How To Eat Prunes During Pregnancy
How do I use prunes during pregnancy? – Using prunes during pregnancy is a great way to ensure you are getting the fiber you need, as well as vitamins and minerals that are important for the health of your baby. Prunes are a type of nutrient-dense dried fruit that are high in potassium and copper, which are both important during pregnancy.

They also contain folate, vitamin K, and vitamin A. This dried fruit is high in fiber, making it an ideal choice for women who experience constipation or irregular bowel movements during pregnancy. Adding prunes to your diet may also help to control blood sugar levels due to the high amounts of both soluble and insoluble fiber.

To get the most benefit from prunes during pregnancy, include them as part of a balanced diet that consists of plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean protein, and other healthy snacks. Prunes can be eaten raw, added to cereal or porridge, tossed into salads, or blended into smoothies.
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How do I use prunes during pregnancy?

How to Avoid Constipation During Pregnancy It must be Murphy’s law that just when you’re able to get food into your body without having it come back up, you suddenly find you can’t get the food out of your body. Nearly half of all the women who are pregnant suffer from constipation.

As with all symptoms of pregnancy, there is a reason for constipation. When you’re pregnant your body creates progesterone which in turns relaxes the muscles of the bowels and causes your digestive tract to work much more slowly. Your digestive tract works slower to make sure your body absorbs the nutrients from your food for your baby.

This can create constipation, which if it not kept under control, can lead to hemorrhoids. Here are some ways you can avoid constipation throughout your pregnancy: Make sure you include plenty of fiber in your diet. Fiber absorbs water can help to soften your stools and speed their passage.

Eat plenty of high fiber foods like whole grain cereal and oatmeal. Instead of eating white bread with your sandwiches, eat whole grain bread. Add some oat bran to your cereals or yogurt. Fresh fruits are also an excellent way to get fiber. Melons and plums have a high amount of fiber in them as well as dried fruits like figs, raisins, apricots and of course the well known favorite prunes.

Prunes and prune juice have a laxative effect and will help keep things moving properly in your body. Aim to eat at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day. You can tell you’re getting enough fiber if your stools are large and soft and you aren’t straining to pass them.

  1. Eep in mind though that too much fiber can lead to diarrhea which can lead to dehydration so don’t overdo the fiber in your diet.
  2. Also, drinking plenty of fluid will help you combat constipation.
  3. Fluids help keep digestive products moving through your system so it’s very important for you to drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day.

Keeping up with your fluids is important especially if you are increasing your intake of fiber. Your body needs to water to soak up the fiber otherwise it can cause more constipation. If possible, eat yogurt. Yogurt has a bacteria called acidophilus that helps stimulate the intestinal bacteria to break down food better.

  1. Look at your prenatal vitamins.
  2. Some of the prenatal vitamins that women take contain a lot of iron and iron can play a big part in constipation.
  3. Talk to your doctor to see if you can switch for a while to a different prenatal vitamin that contains less iron or at least stay off of the prenatal vitamins for a while until your constipation is under control.

Avoid foods that can lead to constipation. Some of these include:

White bread Some cereals such as corn flakes White rice Bananas

If all this fails, give your doctor a call to see if there is something you can take to help keep you regulated. Most doctors will allow you to take Metamucil to help keep things moving. What you don’t want to do is take an over the counter laxative just because you’re a bit uncomfortable.
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Is it OK to eat prunes while pregnant?

Power of prunes June 05, 2010 10:06 am | Updated 10:06 am IST PACKED WITH FIBRE AND IRON Prunes There is no special diet for a pregnant woman, but eating foods that provide all the nutrients for the baby to develop and grow is recommended. For the first three months, a pregnant woman’s diet should include foods rich in iron, folic acid and calcium.

  • Pregnant women usually experience constipation because the digestive system is influenced by hormonal changes during pregnancy.
  • The body produces more oestrogen than normal to ensure proper foetal growth; however, these hormones tend to slow down the intestinal movements leading to constipation.
  • Prunes provide the critical amount of fibre required to help intestinal movement.

Nausea (often accompanied by reflux) is common in the first trimester of pregnancy and may even carry forward to the advanced stages of pregnancy. Prunes can make a tasty and nutritive snack while providing several essential nutrients in significant quantities.

They help maintain energy levels and calm the nerves. Iron requirements go up significantly during pregnancy (from 18 mg to 27 mg) and because it is usually not possible to get this from your diet, it is recommended that an iron supplement be taken. However, this can lead to gastro intestinal irritation and further aggravate the situation.

Prunes and prune juice are a safe way of combating this issue.

Potassium in prunes is known to reduce high blood pressure and act as a natural anti-depressant as anxiety levels can be extremely high during pregnancy.Beta-carotene and Vitamin A are proved to promote eye development and healthy skin, boosting the immune system and assisting with blood production and prunes are known to be a good source of both.A portable fat-free snack, prunes can be easily had when hunger pangs strike during pregnancy. (Courtesy California Prunes Board)

: Power of prunes
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When is the best time to take prunes?

1. Eating prunes can help aid in digestion – Eating prunes should be considered if you’re looking to regulate your digestive system and get things moving and grooving without resorting to medication. A poor diet and eating it led you to spend more time in the bathroom. How To Eat Prunes During Pregnancy How To Eat Prunes During Pregnancy
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Should prunes be eaten on an empty stomach?

How many prunes should I eat per day? – Dr. 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. If you’re not used to eating prunes or other fiber-rich foods, start slow with 1 to 2 prunes per day and gradually work your way up.
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Can prunes be eaten raw?

– Plums are extremely nutritious, with a variety of health benefits to offer. They contain many vitamins and minerals, in addition to fiber and antioxidants that may help reduce your risk of several chronic diseases. You can consume plums fresh or dried.
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Who should avoid prunes?

2. Prunes Can Cause Diarrhea – How To Eat Prunes During Pregnancy Shutterstock 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.
  • They are natural laxatives as they contain a laxative compound called sorbitol.
  • So, an unregulated dose or having too many of these fruits can easily lead to diarrhea.
  • Some sources also talk about the dietary fructose intolerance found in many individuals, which can also lead to abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
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Prunes contain high amounts of sugar, which might trigger such a problem.
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Will prunes help with pregnancy constipation?

What can I do if I become constipated? – The first thing to try is to increase the fiber in your diet, drink a lot of water, and exercise regularly. You can also try prunes and prune juice, as these things help to speed up elimination. If these things do not help, see the safe medications page during pregnancy.
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How many prunes I can eat in a day?

If prunes make you ‘go’, you might be eating them wrong Let’s face it: prunes have a bad reputation. They may be tasty, nutritious and incredibly versatile, but before more of us embrace the humble prune as a kitchen cupboard staple, it has to overcome two main image problems.

The second, more obvious reputation fail is the widespread belief that consuming prunes give you the trots.”One of the comments we hear is ‘are you giving out toilet paper?'”Furner, who is based near Griffith (NSW), says it’s a real shame that Australians often overlook the flavour potential and health benefits of the exotic – the most commonly grown variety here in Australia.

D’Agen prune plums in a Griffith orchard. (Picture: Australian Prune Industry Association) “Unfortunately prunes do have a bad reputation but we are trying to change that,” she says. “We’ll reply to those by saying ‘yes we understand that prunes are high in fibre.

But did you know they are high in iron, antioxidants?'” Furner is right. A spokesperson for the Dietitians Association and Accredited Practising Dietitian, Joel Feren, says the evidence confirms that prunes are a great source of many nutrients. One of the comments we hear is ‘are you giving out toilet paper?’ “Prunes are a wonderful source of vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium,” says Feren.

“They are also low in sodium. The fact that they are also a good source that prunes can help to normalise blood sugar levels, lower your cholesterol, and reduce your risk factors of and bowel cancer.” So does this health food product deserve its association with diarrhoea? “If we eat too many prunes, they will most likely give us the runs,” says Feren, stressing that quantity is key, as prunes are not meant to be eaten in bulk.

  1. Feren says prune lovers are advised to eat around 30 grams, or three to four prunes, a day.
  2. That is equal to one serve of fruit – adults are encouraged to have,
  3. He adds that your second serve of fruit per day should be made up of other fruit varieties.
  4. However, even when prunes are eaten in moderation, some people – including many with – could be more sensitive than others.

“Prunes contains two active ingredients – sorbitol and, Both of these compounds have been shown to stimulate intestinal movement, ” Feren says. Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, belongs to the polyol, “It’s a short-chain carbohydrate that can be malabsorbed in some people and that could cause undesirable symptoms like irregular bowel movements, cramping and bloating.” Feren says the effect of sorbitol on your body will vary person-to-person.

But, he explains, people who experience diarrhoea when eating prunes might be reacting to the sorbitol. He recommends that people with a sorbitol sensitivity therefore only eat a small amount of prunes to “test the waters first”. “Eat one or two prunes a day and then, if that has an impact, curb your intake.

Or,, slowly increase the quantity to three, four or five.” “There’s no one food that is going to give us all the nutrients we need. Having a healthy diet is all about having a range of foods to achieve a good balance. “Prunes work well in sweet as well as savoury dishes; for example, they are a great accompaniment to lamb and can be used in Moroccan tagines.” Cooking with prunes : If prunes make you ‘go’, you might be eating them wrong
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Can I drink water after eating prunes?

05 /6 It slows down the digestion process – Drinking water after eating fruits can slow down the overall digestion process, as it dilutes the gastric acids, leaving food undigested in the stomach. Sometimes, the undigested food can become toxic instead of giving nutrients, and thus result in stomach-issues. readmore
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Should you soak prunes before eating?

How To Eat Prunes? – Ayurveda recommends consuming prunes that were soaked in water for at least 2 to 3 hours, for better absorption of the nutrients by the digestive tract.
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Can prunes be eaten at night?

Getting enough sleep can benefit everything from your mood to your immune system, but more than a third of Americans struggle to get the recommended seven (or more!) hours per night. To start catching up on those lost ZZZ’s, try tweaking your diet. Getting more minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron on your plate can help kickstart the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep regulation.

Research shows that some specific foods — like cherries, nuts, and oats — specifically contain sleep-promoting properties and get you off to dreamland sooner. When it’s getting close to bedtime, make sure you’re steering clear of heavy fried foods, alcohol, caffeine (like coffee, tea, and energy drinks), and heartburn-inducers such as tomato sauce or orange juice.

These can have the exact opposite effect and keep you tossing and turning for longer. Stick to the late-night bites listed below, and peaceful slumber will be yours. “Figs pack potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron,” says Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN,

  • These minerals help with blood flow and muscle contraction, which are key for falling asleep.” Besides crushing your dessert craving, each fig also packs some additional fiber that’ll keep you full.
  • Since dehydration can impact your ability to fall and stay asleep (not to mention your energy levels overall !), choosing watery fruits like watermelon can make up for any deficits.

A 2-cup serving is half (you guessed it) water, which will hydrate you before bed and eliminate post-dinner hunger pains due to the fiber and volume. London also recommends thirst-quenching cantaloupe, apples, oranges, and pears. Pistachios hit the sleep-inducing jackpot, packing in protein, vitamin B6, and magnesium, all of which contribute to better sleep.

  • Refrain from a shell-cracking frenzy, though.
  • Don’t exceed a 1-ounce portion of nuts,” London warns.
  • Anything too high in calories can have the reverse effect of keeping you awake !” 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. Still can’t silence those stomach grumbles? Your kids’ snack stash might come in handy. Part-skim mozzarella cheese (a.k.a. string cheese) provides a satisfying protein, especially if you pair it with whole-grain crackers.

No surprise here, but herbal tea has tons of snooze-promoting properties. “Chamomile tea is excellent for calming nerves before bedtime,” says London. “It’s also hydrating and stomach-soothing, same as ginger tea,” It may be a favorite for breakfast, but you might want to try eating a bowl of oatmeal after dark for help sleeping through the night.

“Grains in oatmeal trigger insulin production much like whole-grain bread,” says Cynthia Pasquella, CCN, CHLC, CWC. “They raise your blood sugar naturally and make you feel sleepy. Oats are also rich in melatonin, which relaxes the body and helps you fall asleep.” Just a handful of these and you’ll be dozing off in no time.

Pasquella says almonds contain tryptophan and magnesium, which both help to naturally reduce muscle and nerve function while also steadying your heart rhythm. Almond butter or peanut butter will also work. Spread it on graham crackers, a banana, or that sweet potato toast, Again, keep your dollop under a tablespoon so you’re not feeling too stuffed before heading to bed.

The best way to get a good night’s sleep is to increase your melatonin intake, recommends Michelle Dudash, RD. Cherries, along with nuts and oats, are a natural source of melatonin. When eaten regularly, they can help regulate your sleep cycle. Don’t worry — you can eat chocolate day and night (whew!).

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Dark chocolate contains serotonin, which relaxes your body and mind. Not to mention the other health benefits dark chocolate has too. The magnesium and potassium in bananas serve as muscle and nerve relaxants. Dudash says that the vitamin B6 found in the fruit also converts tryptophan into serotonin, increasing relaxation even more.

This chickpea spread is another great source of tryptophan, says Pasquella. “If you’re waking up hungry in the middle of the night, that usually means you’re not getting enough calories during the day,” she says. Eat hummus during the day for better sleep and aim for three small meals overall, plus two snacks if needed.” Caroline Picard Contributing Writer Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience.
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Why do you soak prunes in water?

Add-in ideas: –

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond) ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 whole cloves 1 Lemon slice 2 tablespoons orange juice

Add the prunes and water (ensure the prunes are covered, use more water if necessary) to a small pot and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, cover with the lid and simmer for 30 minutes or until the liquid is thickening and the prunes are soft. If the liquid evaporates, add a little more water. If using cinnamon or cloves, add them while simmering. Vanilla should be stirred into after simmering. Serve warm, or allow to cool and store (with their juices from the pot) in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Although pitted means the pits have been removed, sometimes they remain, so check before adding your prunes to the pot. Some prunes are soft in the package or jar, while others can be tougher. If necessary, stew your prunes a little longer so they’re nice and soft.

For the healthiest results, choose sun-dried prunes without sulfites. For a laxative effect, enjoy ½ -1 cup of stewed prunes. If you’re not used to eating prunes, enjoy them in moderation due to their laxative effect. The syrup will thicken when it cools. To cook prunes in the microwave, add 1 cup of pitted dried prunes and ½ cup of water to a microwave-safe bowl.

Microwave on high for 3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until the prunes are plump. Allow to cool slightly and enjoy. Calories: 106 kcal Carbohydrates: 28 g Protein: 1 g Fat: 1 g Saturated Fat: 1 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g Sodium: 1 mg Potassium: 320 mg Fiber: 3 g Sugar: 17 g Vitamin A: 340 IU Vitamin C: 1 mg Calcium: 20 mg Iron: 1 mg The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate.
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How long does it take prunes to work?

A 2014 study in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics found that participants who ate 100 grams of prunes a day for three weeks saw improvement in both the frequency and consistency of their #2.
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When is the best time to take prunes for constipation?

Bowel function – The most well-known benefit of prunes is their laxative effect. Eating prunes can mobilize the digestive system and decrease the time between bowel movements. This effect may be due to the fruit being rich in fiber and containing high levels of sorbitol, which is a known laxative.

  • People with constipation may find that drinking between half a cup and 1 cup of prune juice in the morning helps stimulate digestion.
  • A second cup 30 minutes to 1 hour after a heavy meal may also be beneficial.
  • In a 2014 review in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, researchers noted that prune consumption was more effective than psyllium husk at treating constipation.

Psyllium is a popular over-the-counter (OTC) remedy for constipation, and it consists mainly of soluble fiber. The authors concluded that prunes may help increase the frequency of bowel movements in people with constipation and improve the consistency of the stools.
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Why does my stomach hurt after eating prunes?

What are prunes? – Prunes are essentially plums that have been left under the sun to dry naturally without undergoing any fermentation owing to its high sugar content. Occasionally referred to as dried plums, prunes can be made from both the purple and orange varieties of this fibre-rich and nutrient-packed fruit.

  1. Naturally high in both soluble and insoluble fibre, prunes are great for maintaining proper bowel function and lowering cholesterol levels in the body.
  2. According to the National Nutrient Database of the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), a half-cup serving of prunes contains 6.2 grams of fibre.

This provides 21 per cent of the RDA (recommended dietary allowance) for men above the age of 50 and 30 per cent of the RDA for women in the same age bracket. Prunes can be eaten dried or prepared as a syrupy dessert by stewing. Alternatively, it can be rehydrated and processed to make prune juice.
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Do prunes clean your stomach?

Health Benefits of Prune Juice Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on December 03, 2020 from the *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Vitamin C 15% Iron 17% Vitamin B6 0% Magnesium 0% Calcium 0% Vitamin D 0% Cobalamin 0% Vitamin A 4%

Drinking juice is a way of getting the benefits of many fruits or vegetables in one serving. Juice is healthy, easy to make or buy, and simple to consume. Different kinds of juices contain different vitamins and that your body needs in order to stay healthy.

Prune juice is one type of juice that is beneficial for your health. A prune is a dried plum — typically, a dried European plum called prunus domestica, Prune juice is made by extracting the water from these dried prunes. But what does drinking prune juice do for your health? Learn about the health benefits of prune juice and why you should consider adding it to your diet.

The vitamins,, and antioxidants in prune juice can be important for maintaining good health. For example, is needed for the health of your immune system, which helps your body fight colds and sickness. Vitamin C also decreases the damaging effects of free radicals, which are molecules in the body that can harm cells.

In some instances, free radicals can lead to the development of and cardiovascular (heart-related) diseases. In addition, prune juice can provide other health benefits like: Drinking prune juice is key for helping your digestive system work. One of its most common uses is to relieve symptoms of, It is high in fiber and sorbitol (sugar alcohol), making it a natural laxative by easing digestion and making bowel movements more regular.

People who drink half a cup of prune juice a day usually don’t have trouble with regular bathroom use. Preventing High Blood Pressure Prune juice is high in and antioxidants. Potassium helps balance levels of in the blood, and antioxidants help decrease the effects of free radicals in the body.

  1. Together they help lower and reduce (high blood pressure), which is necessary for heart health and preventing,
  2. Liver Health In traditional medicine, prune juice has been used to treat — a liver disease.
  3. When there are problems with your liver, it produces harmful chemicals.
  4. Prune juice vitamins and antioxidants reduce these chemicals, helping to maintain liver health and fight disease.

However, it should be noted that prune juice is not a cure for hepatitis, and if you have hepatitis you should talk to your doctor about treatment options. The antioxidants and fiber found in prune juice have been shown to stop the harmful effects of chemicals that can lead to heart problems.

  1. Fiber also helps keep a healthy heart by lowering levels of cholesterol in your blood.
  2. If your cholesterol gets too high, it can lead to,, or,
  3. Prune juice is high in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which work as a laxative and can help maintain a healthy digestive system along with preventing heart disease, strokes, and other health problems.
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It’s also an excellent source of:

Vitamin CPotassium

Nutrients per Serving An 8-ounce serving of prune juice (the amount of about 1 cup, or a single serving) contains: Portion Sizes Prune juice nutrients are a great addition to your diet. However, because one glass of juice has the sugars and calories of many fruits, it is important to keep daily portion sizes to about 1 cup.

  • Too much sugar can counteract positive prune juice benefits.
  • Pure prune juice can be found in the juice section or the organic section of most grocery stores.
  • You can also make prune juice at home.
  • To make your own prune juice, add some water to prunes and let them soak for 20 minutes.
  • Mix the soaked prunes in a blender with some more water.

(You can add some lemon juice and additional sugar if you prefer. However, keep in mind that prunes are naturally sweet so you don’t need to add too much.) Next, you can strain out the pulp, or you can leave it in for extra fiber. Here are some ways to use prune juice:

Drink a glass a dayMix it into smoothiesAdd it to porridge as a natural sweetenerAdd it to cookies or muffins as a sugar replacement

© 2020 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. : Health Benefits of Prune Juice
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Can I drink warm prune juice while pregnant?

Pregnancy constipation relief: Ways to feel better – Here are some tips for preventing and easing constipation when you’re pregnant:

Drink plenty of water, Try to have 10 to 12 cups of water or other beverages daily. (Or sip throughout the day until your urine is clear or pale yellow in color – a sign of adequate hydration.) Drinking a glass of fruit juice every day, especially prune juice, can also be helpful. Some people find that drinking a warm liquid right after waking up helps get things moving. Keep in mind that humid weather, sweating, and exercise may increase how much fluid you need. Eat high-fiber foods, including whole grain cereals and breads, brown rice, beans, and fresh fruits and vegetables every day. It can help to add a couple of tablespoons of unprocessed wheat bran (available at health food stores) to your cereal in the morning, though it may take a few days before you notice a difference. Options like these help to add bulk to your stools so they go through your system easier.

Exercise regularly. Walking, swimming, riding a stationary bike, and yoga can all ease constipation and leave you feeling more fit and healthy. Listen to your body. Your bowels are most likely to be active after meals, so make time to use the bathroom after you eat if you need to. Don’t put off going to the bathroom when you feel the urge. Try another prenatal vitamin. If your prenatal multivitamin contains a large dose of iron (and you’re not anemic ), ask your healthcare provider about switching to a supplement with less iron. You can also take your iron supplements in smaller doses throughout the day (such as in liquid or gummy form) which can reduce their effect on your bowels. Try a stool softener, such as colace (docusate sodium). It is not a laxative and won’t “make you go” but it will make your bowel movements a lot easier to manage. Ask your doctor about taking magnesium. They may recommend you take 200 to 400 milligrams once or twice a day to help keep things regular.

If the measures above don’t help (or it’s hard for you to follow them), talk to your provider about taking an over-the-counter fiber supplement. Just make sure you also increase your water intake to compensate for the extra fiber. These supplements are usually appropriate most women, but sometimes they can cause uterine contractions so it’s important you follow your doctor’s guidance.

  • Also, if you’re taking too much, you may actually experience diarrhea.
  • In general, constipation and other bathroom issues may extend into the postpartum period, but rest assured that you’ll get back on track.
  • Often, you’ll have a bowel movement within three or four days after delivery, although it may take a few months to get on a regular schedule.

If you’re still struggling by then, talk with your doctor. Learn more:

Gas and bloating during pregnancy Heartburn during pregnancy Your pregnancy diet: The basics of eating well

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How many prunes does it take to work?

– There are no set guidelines on the use of prune juice for constipation. One of the reasons for this is that most of the research on the effects of dried plums has focused on the whole fruits rather than the juice. In one small study from 2007, participants consumed prune juice daily for 2 weeks.
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How many prunes should I eat?

If prunes make you ‘go’, you might be eating them wrong Let’s face it: prunes have a bad reputation. They may be tasty, nutritious and incredibly versatile, but before more of us embrace the humble prune as a kitchen cupboard staple, it has to overcome two main image problems.

The second, more obvious reputation fail is the widespread belief that consuming prunes give you the trots.”One of the comments we hear is ‘are you giving out toilet paper?'”Furner, who is based near Griffith (NSW), says it’s a real shame that Australians often overlook the flavour potential and health benefits of the exotic – the most commonly grown variety here in Australia.

D’Agen prune plums in a Griffith orchard. (Picture: Australian Prune Industry Association) “Unfortunately prunes do have a bad reputation but we are trying to change that,” she says. “We’ll reply to those by saying ‘yes we understand that prunes are high in fibre.

  1. But did you know they are high in iron, antioxidants?'” Furner is right.
  2. A spokesperson for the Dietitians Association and Accredited Practising Dietitian, Joel Feren, says the evidence confirms that prunes are a great source of many nutrients.
  3. One of the comments we hear is ‘are you giving out toilet paper?’ “Prunes are a wonderful source of vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium,” says Feren.

“They are also low in sodium. The fact that they are also a good source that prunes can help to normalise blood sugar levels, lower your cholesterol, and reduce your risk factors of and bowel cancer.” So does this health food product deserve its association with diarrhoea? “If we eat too many prunes, they will most likely give us the runs,” says Feren, stressing that quantity is key, as prunes are not meant to be eaten in bulk.

  1. Feren says prune lovers are advised to eat around 30 grams, or three to four prunes, a day.
  2. That is equal to one serve of fruit – adults are encouraged to have,
  3. He adds that your second serve of fruit per day should be made up of other fruit varieties.
  4. However, even when prunes are eaten in moderation, some people – including many with – could be more sensitive than others.

“Prunes contains two active ingredients – sorbitol and, Both of these compounds have been shown to stimulate intestinal movement, ” Feren says. Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, belongs to the polyol, “It’s a short-chain carbohydrate that can be malabsorbed in some people and that could cause undesirable symptoms like irregular bowel movements, cramping and bloating.” Feren says the effect of sorbitol on your body will vary person-to-person.

But, he explains, people who experience diarrhoea when eating prunes might be reacting to the sorbitol. He recommends that people with a sorbitol sensitivity therefore only eat a small amount of prunes to “test the waters first”. “Eat one or two prunes a day and then, if that has an impact, curb your intake.

Or,, slowly increase the quantity to three, four or five.” “There’s no one food that is going to give us all the nutrients we need. Having a healthy diet is all about having a range of foods to achieve a good balance. “Prunes work well in sweet as well as savoury dishes; for example, they are a great accompaniment to lamb and can be used in Moroccan tagines.” Cooking with prunes : If prunes make you ‘go’, you might be eating them wrong
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