Dry fruits have always been known for their extensive range of health benefits. It is one superfood that has a rich nutrient profile and can be consumed in multiple ways. You can add a handful of dry fruits to your everyday meal or simply munch on as a snack to curb mid-meal hunger pangs. And what we enjoy the most is the variety of dry fruits and nuts available in the market. From nutty almonds to sweet raisins and tarty blueberries - you get it all. One such delicious dry fruit is prune. Also known as dried plums, it is a dark coloured, chewy fruit that is widely used to prepare chutney, jam et al. Besides being a popular choice for making condiments, prunes are also rich in nutrients.
Prunes are a great source of phenols - that help prevent oxygen damage in cells. It also includes vitamin K, B-vitamins, dietary minerals and several other essential nutrients.
Health Benefits Of Prunes:
A new study, conducted by the University of Liverpool, has found that the intake of prunes can help control appetite and reduce overall caloric consumption. According to Professor Jason C G Halford, who was part of the research team, "These studies demonstrate that dried fruit can both produce satiety and be incorporated into the diet during weight management". The findings were published in the 'Nutrition Bulletin Journal'.
The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, the researchers found that the ones who ate prunes consumed lesser calories at subsequent meals. The second phase focused specifically on weight loss. Here, it was found that the ones who consumed prunes experienced greater weight loss in average.
"This study reveals that nutrient-dense prunes can provide an advantage over other snack choices due to their favourable effects on satiety and appetite control," said Andrea N. Giancoli, MPH, RD Nutrition Advisor for the California Prune Board.
That's not all. Besides promoting weight loss and controlling calorie intake, prunes are also known to improve vision, aid heart health and more. Click here to know more about the health benefits of prunes.