Dried plums, also called prunes, and their juice provide a nutrient-rich snack that helps you stay healthy. Prune juice contains vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium and iron. It also has enough enough antioxidants and other phytochemicals to provide alternative health benefits for nearly every system in your body.
Free Radical Protection
The antioxidant power of prunes comes from various plant substances, known as polyphenols, and the vitamins A, C and E, explains Dr. Natasha Iyer, the medical director of Chronos Apollo, an alternative health clinic in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. These antioxidants fight against the cellular damage, cellular inflammation and DNA damage caused as the body utilizes oxygen and releases free radicals. Drink a glass of prune juice each day to protect your body from cancer, keep your skin looking young and prolong the health of your brain and heart.
Nutrient Balancer
The 3,335 mg of potassium in every cup of prune juice helps maintain the electrolyte balance of your cells and bodily fluids, according to Staci Nix, author of the book "Williams' Basic Nutrition and Diet Therapy." When you maintain the proper levels of electrolytes, your nerves and muscles can function at their optimal level. Proper electrolyte levels also increase your energy levels by improving your body's ability to produce energy from the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fat.
Cardiovascular Health Enhancer
Drinking a glass of prune juice a day can help keep the doctor away by lowering your blood pressure, lowering your blood cholesterol levels, increasing the flexibility of your blood vessels and thinning your blood, explains Dr. Michael Wald, the director of Nutritional Services at Integrated Medicine and Nutrition in Mount Kisco, New York. Prune juice's ability to protect the heart comes form its soluble fiber, potassium and phenolic compounds.
Digestion Regulator
While prunes contain around 6 percent of your daily fiber, prune juice does not contain much, notes the website Health-Directories.com. Prune juice helps keep your bowel movements regular and your digestive system running smooth because of the simple sugars in the juice, which draw fluid into your intestines to make your stool softer and easier to pass. The polyphenols and vitamins in prune juice promote healthy hormone balances which allow for the growth of friendly bacteria. Enough friendly bacteria in your intestines may improve your immune system because 70 percent of your immune system comes from your gut, according to Iyer.
References
- Dr. Michael Wald; Integrated Medicine and Nutrition; Mount Kisco, New York
- Health-Directories.com: Prune Juice, Constipation Remedy
- Dr. Natasha Iyer; Chronos Apollo; Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- "Williams' Basic Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; Staci Nix; 2001
- American Dietetic Association; What Is an Antioxidant?; September 2006
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