10 Health Benefits of Prune Juice
One of the most common health tips is to stay hydrated by taking water or other fluids throughout the day. Hydration provides tissues and the different organs of the body with the necessary media for different biochemical processes. Hydration is also important for beautiful skin and overall health.
But drinking water all the time can be monotonous and impractical. Taking other fluids, especially healthy, natural juice such as prune juice can help provide the necessary hydration. It can also provide the body with various nutrients.
Besides providing nutrition, prune juice has other benefits. Below are the top 10 health benefits of prune juice.
Prune Juice Benefit #1: Protects against Chest Diseases
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes one of the most common chest diseases: emphysema. Smokers know emphysema well. It is a chronic pulmonary disease that leads to difficulty in breathing.
A study suggested that there is an association between the health of your lungs and following a diet full of antioxidants. Another study found that polyphenols prevent the occurrence of COPD. Prunes are very rich in antioxidants that can fight the negative effects of smoking through the neutralization of antioxidants. This will slow emphysema down. However, quitting smoking is the most effective treatment.
Prune Juice Benefit #2: Controls Urination
Urination is one of the natural processes used by the body to maintain healthy hydration and excrete toxins. If your bladder is overactive, that can be an irritating and uncomfortable issue to deal with. Adding an adequate amount of fiber to your diet can help in controlling your overactive bladder.
There are many reasons behind having an overactive bladder and persistent constipation is one of them. There is an association between having an overactive bladder and constipation. Prunes are a good source of potassium and fiber. Potassium is great for a lot of functions in our bodies including heart rhythm, muscle contraction, and digestion. Muscular contractions are necessary for healthy bowel movements.
Prune Juice Benefit #3: Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is the number one cause of fatal heart diseases such as angina pectoris. When cholesterol accumulates in your blood vessels, it forms a layer of plaque. Increasing the cholesterol level in your blood builds up more plaque on the walls of your blood vessels. This leads to atherosclerosis or narrowing of the blood vessels. If this condition is not addressed, it leads to heart failure, angina, stroke, and heart attacks.
Prunes are very rich in antioxidants that reduce cholesterol levels. According to a study, prunes also slow down atherosclerosis. Another study suggests that the fibers in prunes are responsible for reduction of cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
Prune Juice Benefit #4: A Great Source of Iron
Anemia is one of the most serious health problems that face people in the United States and the rest of the world. One of the most common types of anemia is iron deficiency anemia. Iron is essential in the process of making red blood cells. It is also an essential component of the oxygen-transporting compound called hemoglobin. When you don’t have enough iron, your body won’t be able to produce enough red blood cells and hemoglobin. When this happens, it means that your body tissues and organs will not get adequate amounts of nutrients and oxygen. This is the reason why people suffering from anemia are relatively inactive.
Prune juice provides your body with its requirements for iron. A cup of prune juice provides your body with 9 percent of the recommended daily intake of iron.
Prune Juice Benefit #5: Lowers Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is associated with factors like genetics, modern lifestyle and processed foods, smoking, and excess salt intake among others. High blood pressure leads to many other health problems including many heart diseases, diabetes mellitus, kidney diseases, and issues with other organs and body functions. If you think you may have high blood pressure, it is important that you consult your doctor.
Eating prunes or drinking prune juice can lower blood pressure significantly. Studies have suggested that people who eat prunes regularly have lower blood pressure than those who don’t. Still, to achieve sustainably healthy blood pressure, it is necessary to quit smoking, decrease your salt intake, and follow a healthy lifestyle that includes vegetables, fruits, and juices like prune juice.
Prune Juice Benefit #6: Helps in Building Your Bones and Muscles
Dried prunes are an important source of boron. Boron is a rare mineral that has a role in building bones and muscles. It is also necessary for increasing mental sharpness and improving muscle coordination. Boron deficiency can, therefore, adversely affect bone, muscle, and brain health.
Prunes are recommended for people whose bones lose their density after radiation. A recent study showed that dried plums and their powder can reduce the negative effects of radiation in the bone marrow and subsequently prevent the negative effects of low bone density. Prunes are also recommended for people suffering from osteoporosis. This is especially important for women who have gone through menopause.
Prune Juice Benefit #7: Reduces Appetite
Prunes are great for people who want to lose weight. Eating prunes regularly helps you feel full for longer. There are two reasons why prunes are great for reducing appetite. First, they contain a high amount of fiber. Digestion of these fibers is slow, which means that your stomach will stay full for a longer time.
The second reason is the low glycemic index of prunes. They raise your blood sugar level slowly, which means that your appetite will stay low for longer. So, if you are looking for the best fruit to include in your diet to lose weight, consider adding prunes.
Prune Juice Benefit #8: Improves Digestion
Prunes have a high fiber content. This is why they are great for people who have constipation, especially those who have hemorrhoids. It is even proven to help prevent hemorrhoids.
Chronic constipation is one of the most common health issues in both extremes of age. In infants, it is a very serious and painful problem. Prune juice works as a powerful laxative. It contains sorbitol. Note, however, that you may need to consult your doctor in case of ongoing constipation. Prune juice does not contain the same amount of fiber as prunes themselves. Still, it contains some fiber in addition to minerals and vitamins.
Prune Juice Benefit #9: Rich in Potassium
Potassium is essential for the health of the heart and muscles. It also helps in digestive system functions, transmission of nerve impulses, and has an important role in the maintenance of balanced blood pressure. The body can’t synthesize potassium, for which reason you have to get it from food. Potassium deficiency, or hypokalemia, leads to many problems and impairments in organs and functions in the body.
Prunes and prune juice are very rich in potassium and consuming them regularly will provide your body with its requirements of potassium. However, you shouldn’t take excessive amounts of prunes because it may lead to hyperkalemia, which is also as dangerous as hypokalemia.
Prune Juice Benefit #10: Lowers the Risk of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is usually discovered accidentally. It is a hard to diagnose disease and one of the most brutal cancers. Diet is one of the most important factors in preventing and fighting colon cancer, and dried plums are among the most important foods to add to your diet for this purpose.
Dried plums enhance the effectiveness of beneficial bacteria in the colon, which reduces the risk of colon cancer, according to a study done by both Texas University and the University of North Carolina, explaining the effects of dried plums on the health of the colon. Also, notice that most of the foods eaten nowadays increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancers. Adding fruit such as prunes to your diet is one of the best things you will do for your gut.
