Why Eat Prunes or Drink Prune Juice ? How are Prunes good for you ?

Prunes are Plums. Like the raisin is to a grape. Yummy, dried fruit with tons of nutrients. They are small oval shaped wrinkly fruits. Most are European plums that are grown right here in California.

Due to contrary belief, they are not only for the elderly. So get that thought right out of your head! But you would never know by the way these older people scoff down 3-5 of these puppies a day. While the younger crowds can't get over the fact it has partially unwanted side effects, that will keep you running to the bathroom. Hope you got some soft toilet paper and a few good magazines! After you work your way up to eating a few of these a day those side effects should somewhat taper off. But is it worth it?

I did some research and it seems that lots of people are google-ing about the effects of prunes and prune juice, *so here is a prune-packed hub with all kinds of great content... just like a... PRUNE!

* That last sentance was soo lame >_< ha ha

Well they don't compare to the Acai berry for health benefits but they are still very good for you. Sometimes it pays to listen to your elders. It's not a miracle fruit but does have multi health benefits!

There are high levels of fiber in prunes and we all know the effects of that. Yup, those lovely laxative effects are definitely proven but the almighty prune is full of essential minerals and antioxidants. Fiber is super important but a healthy mix of other nutrients is even better. Read on to see which nutrients these beauties are heavily packing.

What nutrients do prunes have?

Dietary Fiber - Dietary fiber is the indigestible portion of plant foods that pushes food through your body and absorbs water and helps ease defecation. Prunes and prune juice are very common remedies for constipation ( as I am sure you already know ). And that nice, gental assistance we get in the restroom is largely due to dihydrophenylisatin, a natural laxative.

As I stated earlier, the prune is not as nutrient rich as the acai berry or maybe some of the other "super fruits" Comparatively though, they are still high in antioxidants which can help give us more energy, better skin, and an overall healthier immune system. Odd how eating a wrinkly little fruit may help your own wrinkles.

Not many consumers know but these little gems are also stuffed full of minerals such as boron, iron, copper, potassium, and magnesium. Don't worry though, you can't taste the iron or copper.

One of the best parts about them is they are also fat free, so eat as many as you like. ( Try only a couple, then work your way up to 3-5 per day or what ever it reccomends for a daily serving size.)

Commercially, prune juice is generally made by steaming them to make them softer and juicy again and then putting them through a pulper to create a watery, juicy pulp. If you buy it in the store make sure you read the label as there can be many sugars and additives that are not healthy.

You might even try to make their own prune juice. Its fairly simple, as you already know exactly what's in it, just make sure you start by re-hydrate the fruit. Most blenders don't puree dried fruits well. It may do you good to put some freshly dried prunes in a pot on the stove with some water and heat it up to a simmer for while. After they are rehydrated, then drop them in the blender with anything else you wish to add.

The fastest way to... "enjoy the benefits" of prune juice is by warming the juice before drinking.

Heck Yes! You can basically use them for anything you would use dried raisins, apricots, or figs for. From pudding and stuffing to a nice prune glaze on your favorite meat, they are delicious with a meal or as a dessert.

When I want to create a meal with an ingredient I always check out www.foodnetwork.com website. They always have great dishes you can see from their chefs like Rachel Ray, Emeril, Tyler Florence, Mario Batali, Bobby Flay...etc and users also submit recipes too.

CLICK HERE for Recipes using Prunes. Including Prunes with Pork, Chicken, and Duck! Yum!