How to brew prunes for constipation for adults. Do prunes help with constipation or not? Reviews

Constant stress and poor nutrition often lead to constipation. Many medications have been developed to get rid of them. But they cannot be called completely safe, especially for children and pregnant women.

Prunes are a good alternative. This dried fruit is useful not only for the digestive system, but also for the health of the entire body as a whole. Therefore, it is important to know how to properly use prunes for constipation.

What does this product contain?

Prunes have a unique composition. Thanks to this, it effectively and gently copes with constipation. It contains the following substances:

1. Vitamins of group B, A and PP. They help the body accumulate strength and direct it to solve the problem.
2. Iron. Increases blood circulation and prevents the development of anemia.
3. Potassium. Stimulates the production of enzymes that have a beneficial effect on the digestive system. Often, potassium deficiency provokes intestinal spasms, which lead to constipation.
4. Sodium.
5. Phosphorus.
6. Cellulose. Helps make stool softer and easier to leave the intestines.
7. Fructose and sucrose.
8. Organic acids.

This composition helps not only improve intestinal motility, but also disinfect it.

Beneficial properties of prunes

This type of dried fruit is useful not only for solving digestive problems. Its use has a beneficial effect on all body systems. Among the positive properties of the fruit are the following:

1. Since these dried fruits help cleanse the body, they are recommended for overweight people.
2. Destroy pathogenic microorganisms.
3. Thanks to the sodium and potassium included in the composition, they have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Normalizes blood pressure.
4. Vitamin A helps improve vision clarity.
5. Consumption of this product leads to a decrease in the concentration of bad cholesterol in the blood.
6. They normalize the water-salt balance, which has a beneficial effect on kidney function.
7. They have a diuretic and choleretic effect.
8. Solve the problem of vitamin deficiency and mineral deficiency.

Due to the wide range of beneficial properties, prunes are recommended to be consumed even by those who do not suffer from constipation.

Why do prunes help with constipation?

Improvement in intestinal motility occurs almost immediately after eating 4-7 prunes. Thanks to the substances included in the product, the process of enzyme production starts, the intestines begin to work actively, and feces begin to move.

Vitamins and minerals help strengthen smooth muscles, which energize the intestines for productive work. Iron improves blood circulation in the problem area.

Due to the high fiber content in dried fruits, stool is liquefied. It becomes easier for the intestines to get rid of them.

Advantages of prunes over medications

Any modern pharmacy offers a wide range of products aimed at relieving constipation. But they all have a number of side effects, so their use cannot be called completely safe. In this regard, experts recommend consuming prunes for constipation. Its advantages are as follows:

1. The product is natural and completely harmless. It can be safely consumed even during pregnancy.
2. Dried fruits have a pleasant taste. They can be eaten alone or added to all kinds of dishes.
3. Prunes help not only solve the problem of constipation, but also improve the health of the entire body.
4. Has a mild analgesic effect. Therefore, the process of bowel movement is easier.
5. Has no side effects.

At the same time, it is worth remembering that there is a group of people for whom the use of this product is contraindicated. Therefore, before starting this treatment, consult your doctor.

Contraindications

In some cases, consuming these dried fruits instead of the expected benefits can cause harm to health. Among the contraindications:

1. Individual intolerance. Some people may experience a severe allergy attack after eating one prune.
2. It is not recommended to eat prunes while breastfeeding. If the baby does not experience problems with constipation, then substances supplied to him with mother’s milk can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders.
3. Diabetes. This is due to the increased sugar content in berries.
4. Hypertension. Prunes can increase blood pressure, which can aggravate the condition of a hypertensive patient.

If there are such contraindications, it is necessary to look for other methods to solve the problem.

Use of prunes during pregnancy

While waiting for the birth of a child, a woman's body undergoes many changes. Constipation is also a common problem. The use of medications in this case is contraindicated. Prunes will come to the rescue. Treatment should begin at the first signs.

Indications for consuming prunes during pregnancy include:

1. Decreased intestinal tone due to hormonal changes in the body.
2. Failure to follow the correct diet.
3. Shift in intestinal position caused by fetal development.
4. Fear of pushing during bowel movements.

Before you start eating dried fruits, consult your doctor. If there is a need for a nursing mother to take prunes, then it is better to cook a compote from it.

Treatment of constipation in babies

This product is great for relieving constipation not only in adults, but also in children. It is better for a child to cook compote from these dried fruits. To do this, mix a handful of prunes and dried apricots. Cook as you would a regular compote.

Prunes should not be given to an infant. Such treatment is possible only after the baby is six months old. You can use compote or make puree from dried fruits:

1. To do this, the fruits are sorted. All spoiled berries should be thrown away.
2. Steam prunes in boiling water.
3. Once it becomes soft, grind it with a blender to a paste. This puree is used as complementary food.

What's the best way to eat prunes?

To successfully treat constipation with dried fruits, it is quite possible to eat prunes separately from other foods. About 20 pieces will be enough. To enhance the effect, drink with yogurt or low-fat kefir.

In addition, various mixtures can be prepared based on these dried fruits. The following are considered the most effective, and at the same time tasty:

1. Dried fruits with honey. If you purchased fruits with seeds, remove them. It’s easier to do this after you’ve steamed the dried fruits in boiling water for a few minutes. Grind the fruits using a blender. Pour in a little honey. Mix all ingredients thoroughly. This delicacy should be eaten one teaspoon every morning until the problem is completely eliminated.
2. Jam with dried apricots. Take prunes and dried apricots in equal quantities. If you want a richer flavor, add some figs. Grind them with a blender. Add natural honey. Transfer the prepared mixture into a glass jar. Every morning you need to eat one spoon of this jam before eating.
3. Candies. There is a recipe for delicious and healthy sweets based on figs, prunes and dried apricots. Pre-soak the dried fruits in boiling water for a few minutes. Grind all components with a blender. Add some cinnamon and honey. Form small balls from the prepared mixture. You need to eat them in the morning on an empty stomach. Keep refrigerated.
4. Pasta with raisins. For this dish you will need raisins, honey, dried apricots, prunes and vegetable oil. To enhance the laxative effect, you can add a little senna. All components are ground in a blender. This paste can be eaten separately or spread on bread.

These simple recipes can be prepared in minutes. If you regularly eat them before breakfast, you can forget about the problem of constipation.

Recipes for complete meals

Wholesome tasty meals with the addition of dried fruits will help you cope with constipation. They will help the body recharge itself and cope with the disease faster. The following recipes are considered the most effective:

1. Salad. Prepare feijoa, prunes and dried apricots. Cut all ingredients into small cubes and mix. Olive oil is perfect as a dressing for this lard.
2. Salad with figs. Using a blender, puree the figs and prunes. Add some coriander. This salad should be eaten before breakfast. Store the remaining mixture in the refrigerator.
3. Beetroot salad. Grate the pre-cooked beets. Add a handful of chopped nuts and prunes cut into small pieces. Season with olive oil. This dish can be eaten several times a day.
4. Salad with beets and apples. You will need 1 large beet, 10 prunes, 1 green apple, some hazelnuts, sour cream. Rinse the prunes thoroughly and pour boiling water over them for half an hour. After this, cut into small cubes. Boil the beets, peel and grate. Grind the apple using a grater. Chop the nuts with a knife. Mix all ingredients in a salad bowl. Season with a small amount of sour cream.
5. Salad with cheese and carrots. To prepare, prepare 1 beet and carrot, 100 grams of prunes, the same amount of dried apricots, 150 grams of hard cheese, 2 eggs, some herbs and sour cream. Boil vegetables and eggs until tender. Grate on a coarse grater. Steam dried fruits in boiling water, and then cut into small pieces. Place a layer of beets mixed with prunes on a dish. Grease it with sour cream. Place a layer of carrots and dried apricots on top. Coat with sour cream again. The last layer should be a mixture of eggs, cheese and herbs. You can decorate this salad with pomegranate seeds.
6. Buckwheat. Steam 100 grams of prunes and dried apricots in boiling water. Boil the buckwheat. Mix diced dried fruits with the finished porridge. Add some butter. The dish is brought to full readiness in the oven. Sprinkle lightly with walnuts before serving.
7. Curd dessert. Steam 15 prunes. Cut them in half. Stuff each half with cottage cheese mixed with an egg and a little sugar. Place on a baking sheet. Stick a small piece of walnut into each half. Bake in the oven.
8. Dried fruit soup. To prepare it you will need 2 large potatoes, 100 grams of dried apricots and prunes, and half a bunch of dill. Peel the potatoes and cut into cubes. Chop the washed dill. Boil one and a half liters of water. Send her dried fruits and potatoes. Add a little salt. Cook until done. At the very end, throw the dill into the saucepan. This dish has an unusual taste and delicate aroma.
9. Semolina. Wash 100 grams of semolina and soak it for 2 hours in warm boiled water. Boil 300 ml of milk. Stirring constantly, add semolina into it. Add 20 grams of chopped prunes, a little sugar and salt. Cook for 10 minutes. Season the finished porridge with a piece of butter and enjoy the delicious dish.

What is the best way to eat prunes? Whichever one you choose, the effect will not be long in coming. All dishes are not only effective, but also very tasty.

Drinks based on prunes

You can prepare compotes, decoctions and infusions based on dried fruits. All beneficial substances from them are absorbed very quickly and bring the expected effect. Among the most popular recipes:

1. How to brew prunes? The easiest way is to prepare an infusion. To do this, place 100 grams of washed prunes in a container. Pour a glass of boiling water. Cover with a lid and leave for at least 10 minutes. This drink is best taken before meals. By the way, the remaining berries also need to be eaten. The benefits will be several times greater.
2. A decoction with the addition of oatmeal. Place 200 grams of oats in the form of flakes and the same amount of prunes in a ladle. Fill with half a liter of water. Mix the ingredients and cook for 20 minutes. This remedy is taken several times a day in the amount of one glass.
3. Prune compote for constipation for babies is very easy to prepare. It is enough to pour 100 grams of fruit into 500 ml of boiling water and add 30 grams of sugar. Place the resulting mixture on the stove and wait until it begins to boil. After this, let it sit for a while. This decoction of prunes for babies can also be drunk by a nursing mother.
4. Infusion with the addition of senna. Mix one hundred grams of prunes with 2 teaspoons of senna. Pour 600 ml of boiling water. Leave for 2 hours. After this, filter the liquid and drink it before meals.
5. Dried fruits compote. Mix 100 grams of prunes and dried apricots. Boil 2 liters of water. Place the fruits in boiling water and cook for 20 minutes. After the compote has cooled a little, add a little honey instead of sugar.

Such drinks will help quickly and effectively restore normal bowel function.

How to choose real prunes

It matters not only how to take prunes, but also which ones. A low-quality product will not only not bring the desired benefits, but can also cause harm. We'll tell you how not to make a mistake when buying it. When choosing, consider the following recommendations:

1. High-quality fruits should have an even black color. Brown color indicates that they have already begun to deteriorate.
2. The taste of the berries should be sour. Bitterness indicates that the product is spoiled.
3. Soak the fruits for 30 minutes in clean water. If after this the liquid turns dark, then the product is natural. Light water indicates that the prunes have been treated with chemicals.
4. If the fruits are too shiny, it means they have been treated with glycerin. It is better not to buy such dried fruits.

To solve the problem of constipation, it is better to choose dried fruits with seeds. They retain more useful substances.

Prunes are an effective and safe remedy for constipation. Having prepared a delicious dish or drink based on it, you will quickly forget about this unpleasant problem.

Prunes are the same plums (Hungarian or Renklod), but in dried form. This is the most popular known dried fruit. Already from the age of six months, it is recommended to eat prunes, the beneficial properties and wonderful taste of which have made them a universal product. And not only in cooking.

Characteristics of prunes

Energy value

In terms of energy value (calorie content), prunes lead among most fresh fruits. But it wins comparison with such “healthy sweets” as honey, marshmallows, and marshmallows. It contains 100 kcal less. Therefore, dried plums are often used as a substitute for sweets to reduce weight.

100 g of prunes contain about 250 kcal. Picture of its energy value:

• 2.3 g protein (approximately 9 kcal),
• 0.7 g fat (6 kcal),
• 57.5 g carbohydrates (230 kcal).

About the nutritional value of prunes

Per 100 g of product, the nutritional value is distributed as follows (in grams):

• saccharides (glucose, fructose, sucrose) – 56.9,
• water – 25,
• dietary fiber – 9,
• organic acids (malic, oxalic, citric) – 3.5,
• starch – 0.6,
• saturated and unsaturated fatty acids – 0.1 each.

Vitamins (in mg):

• C – 3,
• E – 1.8,
• RR – 1.7,
• B2 – 0.1,
• beta-carotene – 0.06,
• B1 – 00.2,
• A – 10 mcg.

Minerals (in mg):

• potassium – 864,
• magnesium – 102,
• phosphorus – 83,
• calcium – 80,
• sodium – 10,
• iron – 3,
• zinc – 0.54,
• copper – 424 mcg,
• selenium – 2.3 mcg.

The berries contain nitrogenous and tannin substances, as well as other ingredients vital for the body.

Method for obtaining prunes

To obtain high-quality prunes, juicy and ripe fruits are selected. They are then subjected to:

• blanching in boiling water
• cooling in running water,
• steam drying.

As a result, its beneficial properties are completely preserved.

To obtain 1 kg of prunes, use 5 kg of black plums. Its production is widespread in the countries where this berry grows. These include America, Argentina, France. The highest quality and most expensive prunes from California (USA).

Properties of prunes

Prunes, the benefits and harms of which are well known, can be used most effectively for medicinal purposes.

Effect of prunes on human health

It is very important that dried plums retain all the beneficial components that fresh berries are rich in. Prunes inhibit the growth of pathogens such as salmonella and E. coli. The presence of pectin cleanses blood vessels from cholesterol plaques and improves the functioning of the digestive system. Antioxidants suppress free radicals that have a destructive effect on the body. This explains the rejuvenating effect of the berry and its ability to participate in the prevention of cancer.

Vitamin A improves vision and skin condition. The choleretic and diuretic effect of prunes is to normalize metabolism. This is beneficial for kidney diseases, gout, rheumatism, psoriasis. Prunes have a good effect on thrombophlebitis, as they help reduce blood clotting. The high calorie content of the product gives the body a lot of energy.

Prunes are especially useful for pregnant women who are prone to constipation or have difficulties with intestinal function. The presence of a line of B vitamins in berries has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system. This effect is expressed in reducing anxiety and preventing stress. Potassium provides powerful support to the heart: there is 1.5 times more of it in prunes than in (a recognized source of potassium).

Solving specific health problems

Official medicine recognizes the beneficial properties of prunes for human health. The variety of its beneficial effects is amazing:

• delicately cleanses the body of toxins,
• relieves constipation,
• helps with diseases of the oral cavity, has a detrimental effect on pathogenic microorganisms, protects against caries,
• improves blood circulation,
• brings blood pressure to normal levels,
• strengthens the heart muscle (due to the presence of potassium),
• (action of iron),
• helps fight cancer (due to the content of phytonutrients),
• increases performance,
• rejuvenates the body (due to antioxidants),
• fights vitamin deficiency,
• improves memory,
• increases potency,
• cleanses the skin.

Risk group

Despite the obvious benefits of prunes, they have contraindications. Eating dried fruit can lead to problems with:

• overweight,
• diabetes mellitus,
• allergies to the product,
• breastfeeding (so as not to cause gastric upset in the infant); starting from six months, the baby can be given prune compote.

Also, people suffering from chronic liver and stomach diseases should not get carried away with prunes.

Some people suffer from flatulence and bloating after eating prunes. This is due to the combination of dietary fiber with fructose. This phenomenon is recognized as individual intolerance, which is the reason for excluding the product from the diet. In addition, prunes are often treated with chemicals, which makes them simply harmful. Thus, it is not superfluous to know that prunes (the benefits and harm from them) do not always manifest themselves in the same way, although the benefits outweigh many times over.

Wise choice of prunes

In order for dried fruit to bring maximum benefits, you need to skillfully select high-quality berries.

Definition of this product

Distinctive features of good prunes:

• whole, fleshy and slightly soft fruits,
• absence of rot and mold,
• black color,
• sweet taste with a slight sourness (such berries contain a maximum of vitamin C),
• lack of bitterness.

Dried prunes with pits retain more useful components. To check the quality of prunes, you need to soak them for 30 minutes. Real prunes will turn white in some places. The treated one will retain a uniform color.

Purchased prunes must be scalded with boiling water. Then, after soaking, rinse under running water. Dried berries do not tolerate moisture. It is better to store them in a glass jar, paper bag or plastic container. The container should be in the refrigerator.

Signs of harmful processing of dried fruit

The shiny, dark gray color of prunes (the fruits look “fat”) means they have been treated with glycerin. It is made to improve the presentation of dried fruit. It can also shine after treatment with an unknown fat. Sellers often lubricate dried fruit with vegetable oil for shine. But this method of processing promotes the growth of bacteria.

The coffee tint of prunes appears after scalding with boiling water. At best, there are practically no vitamins left in it. Manufacturers perform this “operation” to disinfect dried fruit and extend its shelf life. The brown tint is not the only drawback of this treatment. The berry also tastes bitter.

The most harmful treatment is sulfur dioxide (E220), which is a toxic inorganic compound that kills bacteria. Such fruits do not attract insects. In the human body, the chemical irritates the mucous membranes of the digestive system. This type of processing preserves the original color of the dried fruit. When dried naturally, the berries will definitely darken.

Areas of application of prunes

Features of using prunes in cooking

Cooks love this product very much, as it adds a unique taste to completely different dishes. It is consumed both independently and as part of many drinks and dishes. And it’s simply impossible to imagine a compote or a meat dish without it. Adding prunes to pilaf increases the calorie content of this dish and gives it a piquant taste. It goes well with any meat - beef, chicken.

The most delicious meat dish is considered to be domestic duck. It is stuffed with apples and prunes and cooked in the oven. This dish will decorate any holiday table. This dried fruit is very good as a filling for pies, cakes, candies and other confectionery products. Puff rolls filled with prunes and pieces of marmalade have a wonderful taste.

It should be remembered that prunes are not always combined with fibrous products, for example, chicory, apples. A person with strong digestion can afford this mixture. Dried plums are most beneficial to eat on an empty stomach or with dairy foods. But you can’t eat the main course with it. Otherwise, it will stimulate indigestion, gas formation, and bloating.

Health Recipes

Many pharmaceutical preparations for constipation contain prune extract. But you can prepare a healing remedy yourself. This is an infusion of prunes. Before going to bed, wash dry berries (6 pcs.) well and add boiled water (1 cup).

The next morning, drink the infusion and eat the berries. This infusion is often recommended to be consumed at night. And along with a glass of kefir. This supports microflora and improves the quality of intestinal cleansing.

Calluses are treated with prunes: the berries are poured with hot milk. When they are soaked, the seeds are removed. The berry, which has not yet cooled down, is applied to the calluses. When it cools down, it is replaced with a new, hot one. This procedure should be repeated as often as possible.

The antiseptic properties of prunes help fight caries. To prevent it, it is enough to chew 2-3 berries thoroughly before going to bed. A decoction of dried fruit treats purulent skin diseases. To do this, apply warm compresses to the sore spots at night. Due to the ability to draw out pus, this method is good for treating acne.

Prunes for beauty

The dietary properties of dried fruit help to remove extra pounds, despite the fact that prunes have a high calorie content. It needs to be eaten correctly. If you feel hungry, you should take a dried plum into your mouth and slowly dissolve it until you feel full. This way you can cope with hunger and at the same time consume a minimum number of calories. To saturate the body, it is enough to eat 5-6 fruits a day.

Nutritionists advise combining prunes with vegetables, for example boiled or grated fresh. Low-fat kefir or lemon juice are suitable as a dressing (sugar and salt are strictly unacceptable). Regular, proper consumption of prunes has the most positive effect on the condition of the skin. She becomes healthy, radiant and elastic. Improved bowel function contributes to this result.

The exceptionally beneficial qualities of prunes make it an excellent dietary product in a healthy diet. And the content of biologically active components does not limit this dried fruit only to the role of a delicacy. It is deservedly used as a natural medicine.

Dried fruits are highly valued for their nutritional value and good taste, but not all types bring the same benefits to the body. Prunes are one of the few products that have been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. The benefits of prunes for the body are enormous; dried fruit helps get rid of various health problems, while it is affordable and tastes good. Natural medicine can be used by almost everyone, but in some cases it can be harmful.

The benefit of prunes lies mainly in its ability to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, but it is also obvious for other organs and systems:

1. Relieves constipation. To solve delicate problems, prunes have been used since ancient times; they are a laxative of medium strength and are consumed in doses.
2. Prunes are useful for atherosclerosis and hypertension, due to the high content of potassium salts.
3. It has a diuretic effect, helps cope with even severe swelling, improves kidney function, and helps remove waste and toxins from the body.
4. Prunes are rich in vitamin A, which has a positive effect on vision. The use of the product is indicated for people who spend a lot of time at the computer or have undergone eye surgery.

Eating prunes helps to cope with loss of strength, increase vitality, and increase performance. The product, rich in antioxidants, fights free radicals, inhibits cell aging and rejuvenates the body.

Treatment of constipation with prunes

Prunes are a natural and effective remedy for treating constipation. The product has a pronounced laxative effect, contains a large amount of fiber, so it can easily cope with a delicate problem.

Prunes are used for constipation in several ways:

1. In the form of an infusion. To prepare the drink, place 100 g of dried plums in a thermos, pour 400 ml of boiling water, leave for 5 hours, or leave overnight. The prepared infusion is drunk before meals in several doses, and fruit is eaten.
2. In the form of a decoction. If you don’t have time to wait for the infusion, you can boil the washed prunes in boiling water and drink them warm.
3. With kefir. For a glass of fermented milk drink, use 5-6 prunes. You can eat fruit and drink kefir. Or chop prunes, mix with fermented milk drink and eat. You will get very tasty and healthy yogurt.

If constipation lasts more than 5 days, dried plums alone may not help. In this case, it is recommended to add laxative herbs, such as senna.

Recipe for constipation with senna

Compound:
Prunes - 100 g
Senna grass - 2 tsp.
600 ml water

Application:
The prunes need to be washed, cut, placed in a saucepan, and the herb senna should be added. Pour boiling water over it all, cover with a lid, wrap in a towel, and leave for 2-3 hours. Take 3-5 teaspoons every hour until results are achieved.

On a note: Don't have scales? On average, one prune weighs 8-10 g, that is, for 100 g you need to take 10-14 pieces of medium size and moderate humidity.

Video: How it works: interesting things about prunes

Eating prunes during pregnancy

You can introduce prunes into the diet of pregnant women. The product will have a beneficial effect on the expectant mother’s body, improve digestion, increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood, and help cope with constipation. A delicate problem often accompanies pregnant women in the last trimester.

It is worth remembering that dried fruit has a high calorie content and high sugar content, so you should not eat the product in large quantities. The benefits and harms of prunes directly depend on the amount eaten. Excessive consumption leads to large weight gain, a sharp increase in blood sugar levels, and stool upset. Pregnant diabetes and individual intolerance to the product are also contraindications.

The benefits of dried plums for weight loss and cleansing

The energy value of dried plums is 256 kcal. Approximately 57 g are sugars. The product is high in calories, but this does not prevent it from being used for weight loss. Having choleretic, diuretic and laxative effects, it helps to cleanse the intestines of fecal deposits, remove excess water from the body, due to which several kilograms are lost.

Rules for using prunes for weight loss:

• the daily intake of the product should not exceed 100 g;
• It is advisable to consume dried fruit in the first half of the day;
• You should not combine the use of prunes and other laxatives.

Dried fruit can be consumed before or after meals, added to salads, cereals, and drinks. Can be used as a treat that will help suppress cravings for sweets and prevent diet breakdown.

Interesting: Natural sweets are made from prunes. It is enough to soak the product in warm water, chop it, mix with chopped nuts, honey, seeds, and other dried fruits. Sweets are formed from the resulting mass and cooled.

Fasting day on prunes

To cleanse the body, you can spend a fasting day. With its help, you get rid of 1-2 kg of excess weight, which occurs by cleansing the body. On this day, it is not recommended to leave the house; you should also avoid excessive physical activity and be sure to drink more fluids.

To unload, you will need 25-30 prunes and clean water, herbal infusions, and unsweetened tea. Every 2 hours you need to eat 3-4 pieces of steamed fruit, washing down with plenty of water. In total, at least 3 liters are drunk during the day. If you feel very hungry in the evening, you can drink a glass of kefir or unsweetened yogurt.

The benefits of dried plums for children

Prunes are introduced into a child’s diet in the first year of life; this is often done to normalize stool. Puree can be used as a first complementary food. In this case, it is advisable to give preference to an industrially produced product that meets the needs of the child’s body and has undergone the necessary processing.

At home, a decoction of dried fruits is prepared for a child. It is important to pay special attention to the quality of raw materials, wash them thoroughly, soak them, and heat them. Children of the second year of life and older can add the product to cereals, desserts, and casseroles.

Damage to prunes. Contraindications for use

Any product can cause harm to the body if it is not suitable, used incorrectly or in unlimited quantities. Absolute contraindications to eating prunes are:

• stool disorders, diarrhea;
• diabetes;
• individual intolerance;
• kidney stone disease.

Limit the consumption of dried fruit in case of obesity due to its high calorie content, reducing the amount of product to 50 g per day. It is introduced into the diet of women during lactation with caution and only if necessary, as prunes can cause diarrhea in an infant.

Nutritional value of prunes

100 g of dried prunes contains 56.9 g of sugars, which is 114% of the body's recommended daily requirement. However, the product helps you lose weight, cleanse your intestines, and feel light and cheerful. And all thanks to the high content of coarse fiber and potassium.

Table of vitamins and minerals content (per 100 g)

Video: The benefits of prunes and plums in the “Live Healthy” program

How to choose healthy prunes

To make real prunes, dried plum fruits of the “Hungarian” variety are used. Depending on the degree of maturity, place of growth and accuracy of technology, the appearance, taste of the final product and the amount of sugars and calorie content may differ.

The main signs of high-quality prunes:

• black color without red inclusions;
• shiny, smooth, hard skin;
• The flesh is elastic; when pressed, no pits remain.

Dried fruit stores well in airtight jars or containers at room temperature. Has high humidity and is prone to mold. It is advisable to place such prunes in small containers, close them and store them on the refrigerator shelf.

Dried plum fruit is a dried fruit that has many beneficial properties for the human body, in addition, a prune diet is very effective for weight loss. This product can be consumed in small quantities daily. In this case, the need for sweets is satisfied and extra pounds are lost. It goes well with a variety of foods.

What are the benefits of prunes for weight loss?

This dried fruit has a low glycemic index; it does not provoke a sharp release of insulin, thereby normalizing blood sugar levels. The acids contained in it break down fats and reduce cholesterol levels. It has been proven that this indicator decreases with weight loss. The dried fruit is low-fat and does not lead to obesity or insulin resistance.

Prunes are considered a good antidepressant; they improve mental and emotional well-being and normalize sleep. In addition, it satisfies the feeling of hunger well, which prevents stress during weight loss and satisfies the need for sweets. The high content of antioxidants relieves the body from the destructive effects of free radicals. The benefits of dried plum fruit for the intestines cannot be ignored.

The benefits of prunes for the intestines

Dried plum fruit contains a large amount of fiber. It is represented in equal proportions by soluble and insoluble fibers. The former reduce cholesterol levels and regulate glucose levels. Insoluble fiber binds water and increases the volume of stool. This helps make bowel movements easier. A lack of insoluble fiber can lead to constipation and cause bowel cancer. A prune diet prevents the development of this disease.

What vitamins are contained in prunes?

The calorie content of dried plum fruit is considerable - 239 kcal, but compared to other dried fruits, it has a low glycemic index (GI) - only 29 (GI of sugar - 70). Moreover, the composition of such a product is very rich in nutrients that have a beneficial effect on human health. Among them are many microelements, for example, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, as well as a complex of vitamins:

Diet with prunes for weight loss

There are many variations of unloadings, which are based on dried plum fruit. The prune diet is a multi-component diet that will help you get rid of a couple of extra pounds, waste, toxins and other harmful substances in a few days. It will give you a boost of vigor and energy. When on a diet, prunes naturally cleanse the intestines, have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system and generally tone the body.

To achieve better weight loss results during the diet, it is advisable to exclude high-calorie foods and foods high in sugar from the diet. When losing weight, it is important to tighten your body and skin through exercise.. An important point is the level of oxygen in the body. If there is a lack of it, fats are broken down more slowly, so do not forget about walks in the fresh air, ventilate your living and working areas. Maintaining water balance (approximately 40 ml per 1 kg of current weight) will contribute to rapid and high-quality weight loss.

Mono-diet on kefir and prunes

During the mono-diet period, you will not have to radically change your diet. All you need for natural and comfortable weight loss is to drink a cocktail of dried fruit and kefir instead of dinner. To prepare you will need a blender. For one glass of low-fat kefir, prepare about 8 pieces of dried fruit. This drink has a good laxative and diuretic effect, so nutritionists do not recommend drinking it for breakfast or lunch. Kefir with prunes for weight loss is very effective. It will cleanse the intestines with fiber and restore microflora with the help of bifidobacteria.

Diet with prunes and eggs

This type of diet does not involve eating only eggs and dried plums throughout the day. The menu for this unloading can be very diverse. Dried plums can also be combined with other protein products, for example, dairy products, poultry and lean meats, fish, and ham. Recipes for dishes with dried fruit and chicken fillet are popular on the Internet and culinary literature. Such dishes can be combined with salads from fresh vegetables, cereals, for example, brown rice, rye bread or crispbread.

Prunes and dried apricots for weight loss

The combination of prunes and dried apricots is a storehouse of nutrients. This combination will not only help you get rid of extra pounds, but also strengthen your cardiovascular system. Eat 5-6 dried fruits throughout the day or prepare a mixture using a blender for several days. To make it easier to beat, you can add a little clean water or lemon juice. Do not get carried away with this product, as it has a strong laxative effect.

Fasting day on prunes

During the entire fasting day you cannot eat anything other than this dried fruit. You will need about 20 dried plums, but no more. It is advisable not to drink coffee, tea, compote and other drinks for a day. Be sure to maintain a water regime: drink at least 1.5 liters of pure mineral water. Eat 3-4 dried fruits every 2-2.5 hours. One such fasting day will save you from 1-2 kilograms, while preventing your metabolism from slowing down. Deload no more than once a week.

How to eat prunes correctly

You should not overuse prunes during your diet or in everyday life, because... it has a strong laxative effect. Eat 40-50 grams of dried fruit during the day. This amount of dried plums can be a snack on its own, or divide it into several meals and combine it with other foods from your diet.

People addicted to sweets, who find it difficult to limit themselves to this need, are advised to use dried fruit as a sweetener. Often, extra pounds are deposited due to excess white sugar in the body. If you cannot completely eliminate it from your diet, then you can add dried fruit paste instead. Blend several fruits in a blender and store in the refrigerator. Add the mixture to tea, oatmeal, cottage cheese and other foods as needed.

At night with kefir

A cocktail based on kefir or homemade yogurt with dried plums is a natural laxative.Drink a cocktail with dinner or 2-3 hours before bed. In this case, the calories that you consumed with the drink will have time to be used up. A diet based on dried fruit is often recommended for people suffering from constipation.

With oatmeal

For breakfast, steam oatmeal with a handful of chopped dried plums. This mix will charge you with energy, replenish nutrients after sleep and ensure you feel full until lunch. You can add some raisins or nuts, such as walnuts, to the oatmeal. Breakfast should be the highest carbohydrate and one of the highest calorie meals of the day. This will prevent hunger during the day and help avoid breakdowns.

With cottage cheese

Protein food combined with dried fruit is a complete, balanced dinner. It is advisable to choose low-fat or low-fat cottage cheese. For one serving of cottage cheese (approximately 200-300 grams), 3-4 dried plums are enough. You can add chopped dried fruit to the cottage cheese or beat both ingredients into a curd mass. Using a diet based on prunes and fermented milk products for weight loss, you will not only solve the problem of excess weight, but also provide the body with a sufficient amount of protein, which serves as a building material for cells.

Contraindications

Doctors contraindicate a diet based on prunes for people with individual intolerance to the product, the presence of an allergic reaction to plums, and with varying degrees of obesity. It is not advisable for women to consume this dried fruit during breastfeeding, because... components that are found in dried plum fruit can cause an eating disorder in a child.

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Prunes have long been recognized for their nutritional value and pleasant taste. But not everyone knows what its benefits are for the body. Even in dried form, its composition does not lose its uniqueness and healing properties.

And this fact is not the only plus! In folk medicine, this natural product is used as a cure for many diseases.

Useful properties and contraindications of prunes

Prunes called dried plum. Varieties may be different. For dried fruits, only the highest quality and ripe fruits are selected. Before steam drying, they are subjected to a blanching process in boiling water. This is the only way to preserve all the beneficial properties.

Good quality berries should be black. When there is a glossy sheen, it means the berry has been coated with glycerin or fat. It's best to choose dried fruits with pits. They contain the maximum number of healing components.

Composition of prunes

For drying, the Hungarian Italian variety is used. These berries are large, fleshy and sweet in taste. If upon purchase you notice a brown color and not black, then this is a defect. This product was processed incorrectly and lost all its beneficial properties.

The calorie content of prunes is sufficient high due to the large amount of sugar and carbohydrates. In addition to them, the composition includes the following substances:

• water and fiber;
• vitamins and mineral components;
• acid: malic, salicylic, oxalic, citric.
• glucose.

This set has a positive effect on the functioning of the body as a whole and individually. There are about 230 kcal per 100 grams of product.

What are the benefits of prunes

For people who choose a healthy lifestyle and take care of themselves, this product is simply vital. His impact multifaceted:

• brings the whole body back to normal;
• normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• relieves fatigue and drowsiness, increases vitality;
• helps strengthen the immune system;
• Potassium in the composition serves as a mild diuretic;
• potassium has a beneficial effect on the heart muscle, minimizing the risk of heart attack and stroke;
• magnesium promotes good heart function, relaxes vascular walls, calms the nervous system;
• prevents the occurrence of intestinal cancer, which is due to the rich plant composition;
• improves vision and hearing;
• restores water-salt balance.

Taking dried fruit daily in small quantities will put you in order. nails and hair. The skin will become smooth and silky. The positive effect on the musculoskeletal system cannot be ignored.

Prunes for the intestines

As before, prunes are used in medicinal purposes. By eating 3-5 pieces of dried berries every day, you can get rid of intestinal problems. And the entire gastrointestinal tract begins to function more harmoniously. It could be excellent prevention of ulcers and gastritis.

Here is the recipe for its preparation:

1. Dried fruits in the amount of 300 grams are filled with 1.5 liters of cold water.
2. The mixture is placed on the fire, and after boiling, cook for 15–20 minutes.
3. Cool and drink three times a day before meals.

With this unique product, you can get rid of slagging body. This procedure is not only useful, but also pleasant to the taste. Cleaning normalizes blood glucose levels.

Despite the high sugar content in the fruit, it has short glycemic index. The level of cholesterol in the blood also decreases and breakdown products are removed. Due to the small amount of salt and fat, bad cholesterol is no longer produced.

Its high nutritional value can satiate a person for a long time. Can be used for snacks throughout the day, without harm to the body.

The fiber content, soluble and insoluble fiber, is especially beneficial for the lower intestine. Organic acids normalize general metabolism.

Prunes during pregnancy

Dried fruit is especially indicated for consumption during pregnancy. During such a crucial period, the composition and norms of nutrition are more carefully selected. Products are selected that are extremely healthy and rich in vitamins and minerals. Similar criteria perfectly match prunes:

• Potassium promotes stable urinary excretion and relieves swelling.
• Has a mild laxative effect. Constipation is common during pregnancy.
• Iron, in large quantities, helps pregnant women fight vitamin deficiency and anemia.
• Regular use improves the skin.
• Prunes act as an antidepressant, normalize sleep, and add energy.

During pregnancy, protection from harmful external factors is especially important. The free radicals present in dried fruits act as excellent antioxidants.

Prunes for the male and female body

This natural source of health for men. Without the use of chemically harmful drugs, it is quite possible to maintain male sexuality at the proper level. The beneficial substances in dried fruit stabilize ejaculation processes and prevent premature ejaculation.

Quantities magnesium and potassium in dry plums there are several times more than in bananas.

May be useful for older people mixture from honey, nuts and dried fruits. This renews nerve fibers and returns sexual activity.

For women, such a dietary supplement will be invaluable contribution to health. This is especially true for older people, during menopause and the period preceding it. During menstrual periods, women have an increased need for magnesium, which is abundant in prunes. There is a proven fact that dried plums can be a source of eternal youth.

Prunes for weight loss

When choosing a healthy lifestyle, first of all, select an appropriate diet. It should include products, rich in vitamins, minerals and with minimal contraindications. Dried fruit is one of these.

When losing weight, it will not only help you lose weight, but also replenish the body with all the missing elements.

Acting as an excellent antidepressant, it will relieve mood swings and dull the constant feeling of hunger.

Here are a couple of the most popular diets with prunes:

• Diet for 3 days. Every 3 hours you need to eat five berries, drinking as much water as possible. This is necessary for the swelling of fiber in the stomach. In this way you can lose up to 4–5 kg.
• Decoction diet. A handful of prunes is poured into 2 liters of water, two tablespoons of buckthorn are added and the whole thing is cooked for about 40–45 minutes. Then add the rose hips and continue to boil for another thirty minutes. After settling, the compote is ready for use. Every day, before bed, drink a third of a glass. So, for one month.

Prunes in combination with kefir are also effective for weight loss. Prunes, dried apricots and cinnamon infused in boiling water can be consumed every morning instead of tea.

Prunes: contraindications for use

In any case, it is necessary to comply measure and reasonableness. This also applies to eating prunes. Despite all the benefits, it can also harm the body. It is not recommended to use it if you have dysbiosis or kidney problems.

Women who are breastfeeding should be extremely careful when using this product. This can affect the functioning of the baby's gastrointestinal tract.

For patients with diabetes, it is better to consult a doctor first.

To preserve all the healing qualities of the product, it must be stored in dry and cool place. The container selected is plastic, metal or glass. A plastic bag causes rot. Before placing the fruits in the container, they are ventilated and sorted.

Dried fruits are widely used in cooking. During heat treatment, their beneficial qualities are not reduced. You can cook compotes, add them to salads, porridges, make cocktails, etc.

With this product it is possible to cook a large range dishes that will have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the whole body. It all depends on your desire and imagination!