Dried plums are high in plant substances called polyphenols, which include the antioxidants that protect DNA against damage, decrease inflammation and may help prevent cancer. 

Blueberries may be high on the antioxidant scale, but surprisingly prunes are even higher. A study conducted by researchers from Tufts University in Boston ranked prunes, or dried plums, as #1 food in terms of antioxidant capacity. Prunes contain manganese, iron and plant phenolics that function as antioxidants and help protect the cell membranes from free radical damage.

Because they are a low-glycemic food, prunes can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Prunes contain 3 g of fibre. About half of that is insoluble fibre, which helps speed food through the digestive tract. The other half is slow-moving soluble fibre, which is good for enhancing satiety, lowering cholesterol and regulating blood sugar levels.

Strong, healthy bones are the foundation for lifelong vitality. Nutrients that influence bone health, including boron, potassium and vitamin K, can be found in prunes. Prunes are also rich in phenolic compounds, which may inhibit bone resorption and stimulate bone formation. In a clinical trial with post-menopausal women, researchers found that prunes may help prevent bone loss and preserve bone structure, reducing the risk of osteoporotic fracture.

Numerous studies have looked at the role of dietary fibre in lowering blood cholesterol. Research at the University of California, Davis, demonstrated that men with moderately elevated cholesterol levels experienced a reduction in both total and LDL cholesterol after eating 100 grams (10–12) prunes daily (about 6-7 grams of dietary fibre). An animal study subsequently showed that isolated prune fibre significantly lowered cholesterol and helped establish prunes’ potential to lower serum cholesterol and the risk for heart disease. 

A single serving of 4 to 5 California Prunes has 3 grams of soluble and insoluble fibre to help you maintain good digestive health.

They play an important role:

• Promote regularity
• Ease constipation
• Positively affect gut bacteria
• May reduce colon cancer risk

Prune is a friendly companion to your diet :

Prunes are a satisfying, high-fiber snack that can help control 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. With the frequency of snacking on the rise, prunes can prevent help maintain dietary balance.

One prune contains only 20 calories.

Prunes are rich in potassium. Scientists have shown that eating prunes can significantly reduce blood pressure.

Prunes are a great source of vitamin A, a vitamin that is essential for healthy vision. One prune delivers 3 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A. People who are deficient in vitamin A are prone to night blindness, dry eyes, macular degeneration and cataracts.

Prune is no joke when it comes to potassium. While you know prunes are good for regularity, you may not know that eating more of these dried plums can help keep your bones strong too. 

With only 100 calories per serving (4 to 5 prunes), California Prunes provide a satisfying sweet taste with no added sugar. California Prunes contain naturally-occurring fructose and glucose but almost no sucrose. They also contain sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that has been shown to produce a good medium for the production of desirable intestinal microorganisms.