Dried Plums – Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

Dried plums or prunes are made from certain kinds of plums that are meant to be dried instead of eaten fresh. In some parts of Europe, it used to be common to call plums "fresh prunes," but in the U.S., the word "prune" is used for dried plums. Most of the prunes in the world are grown in California. Most people eat this very healthy dried fruit as a snack, either by itself or mixed with nuts. Prunes can be used in both sweet and savoury foods, though.

Nutritional value of dried plums:

Dried plums cures constipation and helps bowel movement. This is usually attributed to their high fibre content, but it may also be due to the large amounts of phenolics (like chlorogenic acid) and sorbitol in the fruit. Dried plums are a good source of potassium and vitamin K. They are also a good source of fibre. One serving, which is about four dried plums, has 92 calories, 2.4 grammes of fibre, 280 milligrammes of potassium, and 22.8 micrograms of vitamin K.

Dates Vs Dried Plums:

Prunes are dried plums, but dates can either be dried or still be fresh. Dates that have been dried are sweeter than fresh dates, and they are often used in baked goods. They have a similar texture to prunes, but dates are oblong and a golden amber colour, while prunes are almost black. Both could be used in place of the other, but most people prefer dried dates because they are sweeter. Dates on their own can be too sweet to eat as a snack, but prunes aren't.

Ways to use dried plums:

Dried plums are often eaten by themselves as a snack. They can also be mixed with dark chocolate chips or different kinds of nuts. You can add chopped prunes to cereal or oatmeal for breakfast, blend them into smoothies, or sprinkle them on top of a salad like you would with raisins or dried cherries. They are used as a filling in pastries or as an ingredient in baked goods like cookies and bread. Prunes can have chocolate, almond paste, or nuts put inside of them. A popular appetiser is to wrap them in bacon.

Dried plums work well in small amounts in savoury dishes like soups, stews, and stuffing for chicken. Prunes that have been pureed can be used in place of butter, added to vinaigrette, or made into a jam.

How do dried plums taste?

Dried plums taste like plums, but their sweetness is more concentrated because they are dried. They are one of the plumpest dried fruits. They are sticky and chewy.

Health benefits of dried plums:

1. Dried plums get rid of harmful things in our bodies.

Some of the substances found in the plant Prunus domestica are well-known antioxidants. Some of the harmful radicals in our bodies are neutralised by substances in dried plums. This keeps our cells and their membranes from getting hurt.

2. Help iron get into the body

If you feel tired, can't get enough air, or feel dizzy, you might have anaemia, or a lack of iron in your body. Helpful in that case is vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron. Dried plums are a much better way to get vitamin C than any supplement pill.

3. Aid digestion and keep intestines healthy

Dried plums are a well-known laxative, so if you've ever had trouble going to the bathroom, here's a natural and effective way to fix the problem. Most of the time, constipation happens when you don't eat enough fibre. Prunes are high in fibre and help feed the good bacteria in our intestines, which protect us from the bad bacteria that cause disease.

4. Get your muscles and bones in better shape

Research has shown that dried plums contain a mineral called Boron that makes bones and muscles stronger. If you take them regularly, they can help keep you from getting osteoporosis. In fact, they are the best fruit to do that with.

5. Stop overweight and diabetes

Since prunes have a lot of fibre, they help keep the blood sugar level even. Fibers slow down how quickly your body absorbs sugar and make it more sensitive to insulin. When you eat a prune with a meal, it makes you feel full, so you don't eat too much and might gain weight.