Prunes apparently do not help constipation.

Well, I think they do and often tell people with constipation to eat them.

A panel of European ‘experts’, who have the job of telling European citizens what they can be told about the health benefits of food, have agreed that there was insufficient evidence provided to establish a cause and effect relationship between prunes and normal bowel function. I am  talking about EFSA’s Panel on Dietetic Foods, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) Perhaps they should sample some prunes for breakfast and see if they would like to change their minds.

If you are curious to know how Mother Nature ensures healthy bowels through the humble prune, read on.  Prunes are a great source of fibre, but they also contain something called dihydrophenylisatin whihc is a laxative. This enables a more healthy and regular rhythm of contraction (peristalsis), which helps to ensure regular movements.

Prunes also contain different sugars, especially sorbitol.  Sorbitol in particular is like a magnet for fluids, helping to draw fluid into the intestines keeping the waste soft and speeding its passage out of the body.  It’s thought that the dihydrophenylisatin and the sorbitol are enough on their own to yield the desired benefit Which explains why prune juice which does not contain any fibre also manages to work.

 

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

On Key

Related Posts

Vitamin D and Immunity

Vitamin D – Are you getting enough? Public Health England is recommending people consider taking a daily Vitamin D supplement throughout the spring and summer

Getting Serious About Salt

An American study has shown interesting results on the link with dietary salt, or sodium levels, and organ damage. We’re led to believe that salt

Psoriosis Inflammation and IL4

Inflammation is the key to understanding many ailments, including autoimmune conditions. As science learns more about the intricate workings of the human immune system, we