Wonders of California Prunes

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.

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.

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.