Prune Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits
Medically reviewed by Mia Syn, MS, RDNMedically reviewed by Mia Syn, MS, RDN
Prunes are dried plums, rich in potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. Whether you eat them as a snack or a dessert, prunes are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while benefiting from a nutritional boost.
There are beneficial compounds in this naturally sweet treat—enough that it may be worth overlooking prunes' sugar content. Let's dive deeper into prune nutrition and its benefits.
Prune Nutrition Facts
Five pitted prunes (50g) provide 115 calories, 1.1g of protein, 30.5g of carbohydrates, and 0.2g of fat. Prunes are an excellent source of vitamin K, fiber, and potassium. The following prunes nutrition information is provided by the USDA.
Explainer
Calories: 115
Fat: 0.2g
Sodium: 0.95mg
Carbohydrates: 30.5g
Fiber: 3.4g
Sugars: 18.1g
Protein: 1.1g
Vitamin K: 28,25mcg
Potassium: 347.5mg
Carbs
Prunes are made up of carbohydrates primarily, with just over 6 grams of carbs in one prune or 111 grams in one cup, according to the USDA. Of this total, 0.7 grams come from fiber per prune, and 3.6 grams come from sugar.
The glycemic index (GI) of prunes is 29, making them a low-GI food choice.
Fat
Prunes do not contain significant amounts of fat.
Protein
Like most fruits, prunes are low in protein.
Vitamins and Minerals
Prunes are a great source of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, vitamin K, potassium, zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and B vitamins.
Related: 10 Foods That Are High in Vitamin K
Calories in Prunes
Five pitted prunes provides 115 calories, of which 96% come from carbs, 3% from protein, and 1% from fat.
Summary
Prunes are a carbohydrate-rich source of fiber, low on the glycemic index. They are packed full of several vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, potassium, vitamin K, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Prunes Health Benefits
Prunes are helpful in the management of several health conditions; some are familiar, others less so.
Prevents Constipation
Prunes and prune juice are common home remedies for constipation. Prunes contain pectin, a form of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber absorbs water to form a gel-like substance inside the digestive tract. This softens stools, making them easier to pass.
Takeaway
One randomized clinical trial concluded that prunes are a more effective laxative than psyllium husks (a common ingredient in over-the-counter laxatives like Metamucil).
Reduces Bone Loss
Prunes are also a good source of vitamin K and phenolic compounds that act as antioxidants. Several studies have shown prune and prune extracts to be preventative against osteoporosis and bone fractures.
Through various signaling pathways, prunes prevent bone resorption and enhance the formation of bone. Because prunes have added benefits (and no known negative side effects), there's good reason to include them in your meal plan for bone health.
Supports Weight Loss
Prunes are a satisfying, high-fiber snack that can help manage appetite and reduce food intake at subsequent meals. Compared to processed snacks, prunes are a nutrient-dense health food. Prunes travel well and are ready to eat with no preparation required. Prunes can help maintain dietary balance.
Improves Heart Health
Prunes are rich in potassium and fiber, two key players in the promotion of heart health. As a good source of potassium, prunes help keep blood pressure from becoming elevated.
Additionally, soluble fiber in prunes is especially effective at reducing cholesterol. Prunes are naturally free of saturated fat and low in sodium, making them ideal for maintaining heart health.
Helps Prevent Premature Aging
The antioxidants in prunes work throughout the body to reduce cell damage and slow aging. The Oxygen Radical Absorbency Scale (ORAC) measures how effective foods are at scavenging and neutralizing free radicals, which lead to premature aging. Prunes are highly rated on this scale, making them a great choice for keeping your cells young and healthy.
Allergies
Prune allergies are uncommon but do occur. Oftentimes, what appears to be a prune allergy is actually a condition known as oral allergy syndrome (OAS). With OAS, the immune system mistakes certain foods for common tree pollens.
This cross-reactive response tends to be mild, with a slight burning or tingling sensation in the mouth as well as the swelling of the lips. If you experience a reaction to prunes, it may be related to a birch pollen allergy.
Adverse Effects
The main potential adverse effect of prunes and prune juice is digestive discomfort. If you aren't used to eating prunes, their fiber content and laxative effects can cause gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. To avoid this issue, increase your intake gradually.
Varieties of Prunes
Most prunes on the market are made from California French prune plums. These are sold whole, chopped, diced, and with or without pits. Slightly smaller than California French prune plums are dried mirabelles. Sour prunes are made from red plums dried in kilns or in the sun for use in Middle Eastern and Greek dishes.
Prunes are also manufactured into juice. Check the ingredients list to make sure you are getting 100% prune juice with no added sugar. A product called lekvar, or prune butter, is a thick paste made of pureed prunes. This is used in baby foods and baking.
When Prunes Are Best
As a dried fruit, prunes are available at any time of year. They are best when unsweetened and organic, but conventionally grown prunes are equally nutrient-dense. Unpitted prunes are less expensive than pitted if you don't mind eating around the pits.
Related: When Fruits Are in Season
Storage and Food Safety
Prunes are packaged with expiration dates that will help you determine how long they can be kept. Reseal the package tightly after opening to block air and humidity—store prunes in the refrigerator to prolong their shelf-life. Once opened, prunes should stay good for up to 6 months.
Ways to Enjoy Prunes
Prunes can be eaten alone or chopped up and added to hot and cold cereals, yogurt, trail mixes, and salads. Use prunes in baked goods, stuffing recipes, or chutney and compote. Except for smoothies, firmer pitted prunes hold up best in recipes. When making a puree, soak prunes overnight in water, drain, and pulverize in a food processor.
Read the original article on Verywell Fitness.
