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What happens when you pluck summer’s sun-ripened plums, bursting with sweet juices, and dry them at their peak of freshness? They develop a delectable new flavour, concentrating their fruity essence into naturally sweet, chewy morsels of goodness. These delicious prunes were first named after their French cousins, le pruneau (the French word for plum). Today, California’s Prunes are considered among the finest in the world and the state is the international leader in prune production. Informs Peggy Castaldi, Marketing Director of the California Prune Board, ‘‘With the goodness of fresh plums captured in compact, scrumptious morsels, prunes are ready to go anywhere, any time. Eminently portable, with nothing to peel or wash, they tuck easily into bags, briefcases or school lunch boxes for convenient, nutritious snacking. And unlike many snacks and energy bars, prunes contain no fat, cholesterol or sodium.’’ Antioxidant powerhouse: According to research conducted at Tufts University in Boston, USA, prunes rank number 1 in antioxidant power compared to a wide variety of commonly eaten fruits and vegetables on an as consumed basis. Antioxidants are compounds that neutralise the damaging effects of oxidation, the cellular damage caused by free radicals that are produced in the body as a by-product of metabolism. Antioxidants may help lower the risk of heart and lung diseases, some cancers, cataract formation and the effects of aging. Antioxidants occur naturally in the body and are found in a variety of foods especially fruits and vegetables. Nutrient value: Prunes have vitamin A, important for healthy eyes and skin, vision, growth, reproduction and the immune system. They contain potassium, necessary for nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Prunes contain magnesium, vital to many basic metabolic functions. They contain copper that helps the body metabolise and use carbohydrates, thus providing it with energy. Provide dietary fibre: There are two types of dietary fibre — soluble and insoluble — and each type has its specific effect on our health. Prunes provide both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre. About 60 per cent of the dietary fibre in Prunes is pectin, a soluble fibre linked to lowering blood cholesterol levels. Soluble fibre helps reduce blood cholesterol levels thereby reducing the risk of heart disease. Insoluble fibre works mainly in the large intestine, acting like a laxative. Help fight osteoporosis: Move over milk, research conducted in August this year shows that prunes may also boost skeletal health! According to a new study conducted at the Oklahoma State University, prunes may contribute to the prevention of bone loss in post-menopausal women. The study showed that women who ate 12 prunes daily for three months had significant increases in serum markers of bone formation, including levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and serum BSAP (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) activity. |
