Benefits of Prune Juice: 6 Reasons Why It’s Good for Your Health

By | September 23, 2024

Benefits of Prune Juice: 6 Reasons Why It’s Good for Your Health

The benefits of prune juice include improving digestion, preventing heart disease, and strengthening bones. But be careful when consuming it. Prune juice is good for constipation, as well as bone health and heart health.

Prune juice is a great solution for constipation, but its benefits extend far beyond the bath. This juice made from dried plums is highly nutritious and has many health benefits. In addition to being a laxative, prune juice is also rich in antioxidants and vitamins. In addition to being effective in preventing heart disease, it also helps improve bone health and intestinal health. However, before you buy prune juice, you should know that this juice is not suitable for your evening drink. It should be consumed in moderation. It can cause excess fat and bloating, and its sugar content can be dangerous for diabetics. Here is a guide on how to drink prune juice and how it benefits our body.

What is prune juice?

A prune is a dried plum. Plums vary in color, texture, and even smell. So technically, every prune is a plum. Prune juice is the juice obtained from dried fruits. It is usually produced by the hot extraction method, which is the most commonly used, while the more concentrated form is produced by the cold extraction method. Prune juice is commonly used to relieve constipation. A study published in the journal Health Research stated that the juice has a mild laxative effect in adults and can be good for treating constipation.

How to make prune juice at home?

Prune juice can be made at home in several ways:

  • Soak the plums in water for 20 minutes, then stir in more water. Prunes are normally sweet but can be sweetened with lemon juice and sugar. Whether to strain or save the pulp for fiber is a personal choice.
  • Peel and remove the plums. Place them in a pot of sugar and lemon juice and bring to a boil.
  • Cook for 10 minutes, stirring gently.
  • Turn off the heat and strain the mixture into a blender and mix well.
  • Bottle and refrigerate.

Prune Juice Nutritional Value

According to the FDA, one glass of 100% prune juice provides:

71 calories
0 g fats
Sodium: 10 milligrams (mg)
Carbohydrates: 17.45 g
Fiber: 1g
0 g added sugar
Protein: 0.61 g
Iron: 1.18 mg
Potassium: 276 mg
Vitamin C: 4.1 mg

Health Benefits of Prune Juice

Prune juice has many benefits and regular consumption can help us in many ways:

1. Prune juice is a laxative

Prune juice is used as a laxative by people suffering from constipation, including children. Prune juice can soften stools and encourage more bowel movements. Prune juice contains sorbitol, pectin, and polyphenols. A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology shows that drinking this juice reduces hard stools and lumps. It also promotes normal bowel movements and prevents loose stools and watery stools.

2. Improves gut health

Prune juice is rich in fiber, which not only helps prevent constipation but also maintains a healthy digestive system. It improves bowel health and reduces the risk of stomach disease. A study published in the journal Food & Function found that taking the supplement for a year in postpartum women led to changes in the gut microbiome.

3. Improve bone health

Prune juice contains boron, which may help prevent osteoporosis. A study published in the journal Nutrients claimed that prunes helped reduce inflammation and even prevented and reversed osteoporosis in male participants. Pain relief is important when trying to manage osteoporosis, and juice can do just that.

4. Improve heart health

It may also help prevent heart disease and stroke. Prune juice contains potassium, which helps balance sodium in the blood. High sodium content can lead to high blood pressure. A quarter cup or 5 prune juices contains 293 milligrams of potassium. That’s almost 6 percent of the daily value (DV), according to the FDA.

5. Help support immunity

The vitamin C in the juice helps strengthen the immune system. This helps your body fight off colds and other illnesses. The simple sugars in plums also provide energy without spiking blood sugar.

6. Blood clotting

The vitamin K in prune juice is important for blood clotting. The iron content in fruit juice is also important for the production of red blood cells. It also helps with bone metabolism.

What should you pay attention to when drinking prune juice?

It is important to remember the following when drinking prune juice:

1. Laxative effect

Remember, you should not drink more than two glasses of prune juice a day. Prune juice has a mild laxative effect because it contains a lot of fiber. So if a person drinks too much prune juice, it can affect digestion even more.

2. High sugar content

These juices are also high in sugar and calories, so drinking too much can increase the risk of diabetes and reduce their health benefits.

3. Contains Acrylamide

It is a chemical formed when carbohydrates are heated. The International Center for Research on Cancer (ICRC) has identified acrylamide as a human carcinogen. Therefore, drinking too much prune juice is not safe.

Who should avoid prune juice?

People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBD) should consult a doctor before consuming prune juice. It contains sorbitol and fiber, which may be sensitive to people with these conditions.
Prune juice is not recommended for people who already have diarrhea, as it may worsen symptoms.
Prune juice is high in calories, and drinking too much sugar can make you high in sugar. This increases the risk of diabetes and reduces the beneficial effects of juice on blood pressure.
Prune juice can cause excessive acidity and bloating. Therefore, people may want to try adding prunes to their diet slowly to give their digestive system time to heal.

Summary

Prune juice is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, and acts as a laxative to help maintain healthy bowel movements. It may also help prevent heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. The juice contains phenolic compounds that have anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. Phenolics in the juice, such as neochlorogen and chlorogenic acid, can help eliminate free radicals, reducing oxidative stress. This protects cells from damage and inflammation, which is important in aging and many diseases. However, fruit juice should be consumed in moderation as it is a good laxative and also contains sugar. People with liver disease or diabetes should consult their doctor before taking it as it can worsen their condition. Others may enjoy prune juice every day, but it is important not to drink more than two glasses.

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