Prunes: Nature's Laxative

are prunes a good laxative

Prunes are a well-known natural remedy for constipation, often referred to as nature's remedy. They are rich in insoluble fibre and contain sorbitol, a natural laxative. Sorbitol is a type of sugar that increases the amount of fluid the gut absorbs, which helps to soften stools and make them easier to pass. Prunes are also a good source of iron, potassium, and protective plant compounds such as polyphenols.

Characteristics Values
Are prunes a good laxative? Yes, prunes are a good laxative. They are rich in insoluble fiber and the natural laxative sorbitol.
How do prunes work as a laxative? Prunes contain a type of sugar called sorbitol, which increases the amount of fluid the gut absorbs, helping to soften stools and making them easier to pass.
How many prunes should be consumed to relieve constipation? For adults, 4 to 8 ounces of prune juice each morning is recommended to stimulate a bowel movement. It is advised to stick to one serving, or six dried prunes, per day.
Are there any side effects to consuming prunes? Some people may be allergic to prunes, exhibiting symptoms such as itching and swelling of the mouth or throat.
Are there any alternatives to prunes for constipation relief? Other methods to relieve constipation include increasing water intake, exercising, allowing enough time in the bathroom, and consuming fiber-rich foods or over-the-counter laxatives.

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Prunes are rich in fibre, fructans, and sorbitol

Prunes are an effective natural remedy for constipation. They are rich in fibre, fructans, and sorbitol, which work together to alleviate constipation.

Prunes are dried plums, and a single prune contains about 1 gram of fibre. Fibre increases the bulk of your stool so it can move along. Prunes also contain fructans and sorbitol, which are fermentable sugars that can have a laxative effect. Sorbitol, in particular, is an osmotic laxative, which means it acts as a laxative even without any fibre.

Prunes are also a good source of energy in the form of simple sugars. However, they do not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar concentration, possibly due to their high fibre, fructose, and sorbitol content. This makes them a good option for people with diabetes.

Prunes are also a good source of potassium and iron, and they contain antioxidants, including lutein, which may be beneficial for eye health. They are also a source of boron, which may help prevent osteoporosis.

Prune juice is also a laxative because of its high sorbitol content. However, it does not contain the same amount of fibre as the whole fruit since it is filtered before bottling. It is still an effective remedy for constipation in both children and adults.

If you are experiencing constipation, it is recommended to eat 1-2 prunes per day, along with adequate amounts of water, and build up slowly to find your tolerance.

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Prunes are more effective than other constipation treatments

Prunes are a well-known natural remedy for constipation, but how effective are they compared to other treatments?

Prunes are rich in fibre, which is essential for healthy digestion. Fibre adds bulk to stools, making them easier to pass. Prunes also contain fructans and sorbitol, which are fermentable sugars with a laxative effect. Sorbitol is an osmotic laxative, which means it draws water into the colon to flush out stools. This is why it's important to drink plenty of water when eating prunes to ensure the laxative effect works. Prunes are also a good source of magnesium, which helps the colon contract and move stools along.

In a study published in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, researchers compared the effectiveness of prunes to psyllium, a popular natural supplement for constipation (often sold as Metamucil®). They found that prunes were superior in providing relief for mild to moderate chronic constipation. The study followed 40 participants over 14 weeks, with half taking 11g of psyllium with water twice a day, and the other half taking 50g of prunes with meals twice a day. Both treatments provided constipation relief, but the average number of complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) per week was significantly higher for those taking prunes (3.5 CSBMs) compared to psyllium (2.8 CSBMs). The researchers also noted that the prunes resulted in softer stools.

Prunes have also been found to be more effective than other constipation treatments such as medications containing psyllium. A study in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition found that prunes and their derivatives, such as prune juice, can prevent constipation and may even help prevent colon cancer. The nutrients in prunes have also been linked to controlling obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Prunes are considered a safe and effective first-line treatment for mild to moderate constipation. They are a natural, drug-free option that can provide relief without the side effects associated with some medications. However, it's important to note that prunes may not work for everyone, and it's always best to consult a doctor if you are experiencing chronic constipation or any other digestive issues.

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Prunes are a good source of potassium and iron

Prunes are also a good source of energy in the form of simple sugars, but they do not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar concentration. This is possibly due to their high fibre, fructose, and sorbitol content. Sorbitol is a type of sugar that increases the amount of fluid your gut absorbs, which helps to soften stools and make them easier to pass.

The high potassium content of prunes (745 mg per 100 g) might be beneficial for cardiovascular health. Iron, meanwhile, helps prevent anaemia.

Prunes are also a good source of boron, which may help prevent osteoporosis. A serving of prunes (100 g) fulfils the daily requirement for boron (2 to 3 mg).

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Prunes can help prevent colon cancer

Prunes are an effective natural remedy for constipation, but their health benefits extend beyond that. They are also a promising food for lowering colon cancer risk.

Prunes are dried plums, and they have been consumed by humans for thousands of years. They are rich in dietary fibre, polyphenols, and sorbitol, which is a sugar alcohol with a laxative effect. Sorbitol is often used to sweeten sugar-free foods, and it acts as an osmotic laxative. Prunes also contain fructans, which are fermentable sugars that can have a laxative effect.

Prunes have been shown to positively affect the microbiota in the colon, which may help to reduce the risk of colon cancer. A study on rats showed that a diet containing dried plums increased beneficial bacteria in the distal colon and reduced the number of precancerous lesions. Another study, published in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, compared the effectiveness of prunes and psyllium (a natural supplement) in providing relief from constipation. The study found that while both treatments were effective, prunes resulted in softer stools and a higher number of complete spontaneous bowel movements.

The high content of dietary fibre and polyphenols in prunes is thought to be responsible for their potential colon cancer risk-lowering properties. Fibre is known to aid digestion, and polyphenols are antioxidant compounds that may reduce inflammation in the body. Prunes also contain phenolic compounds, which may aid in the laxative action and delay glucose absorption.

In addition to their potential colon cancer-fighting properties, prunes offer a range of other health benefits. They are a good source of potassium, an essential electrolyte that assists in vital bodily functions such as digestion, heart rhythm, nerve impulses, muscle contractions, and blood pressure regulation. Prunes are also a source of iron and can help prevent and treat iron deficiency. They may also help to reduce cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.

Prunes are a nutritious food that can provide multiple health benefits, including the potential to reduce the risk of colon cancer. However, it is important to note that they may cause gas and bloating in some individuals due to their sorbitol and fibre content.

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Prunes are a natural remedy for constipation

Prunes are an excellent source of nutrients, including potassium, iron, and sugars combined with soluble fibre, which provides sustained energy. They also contain phenolic compounds, which may aid in the laxative action and help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Research has also shown that prunes can help control obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Prunes are considered a functional food because of their sweet flavour and well-known mild laxative effect. They are a good source of energy and do not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar concentration, possibly due to their high fibre, fructose, and sorbitol content. A serving of six prunes per day is recommended for adults, and prune juice is an effective remedy for constipation in both children and adults.

Prunes have also been shown to be more effective than other constipation-relieving methods, including medications containing psyllium. In a study published in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, researchers found that prunes provided superior relief for mild to moderate chronic constipation compared to psyllium. The average number of complete spontaneous bowel movements per week was significantly higher during treatment with prunes, and the stools were softer.

Prunes are a safe and effective natural remedy for constipation, and they have been recommended as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate constipation. However, it is important to note that prunes may not work for everyone, and it is advisable to consult a doctor if constipation persists or if there are any concerns.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, prunes are a good laxative. They are rich in insoluble fibre and contain the natural laxative sorbitol. They also contain fructans and polyphenols, which can have a laxative effect.

Prunes work as a laxative because they contain high levels of sorbitol, which is a sugar that increases the amount of fluid the gut absorbs, helping to soften stools and making them easier to pass.

For constipation relief, adults should eat six prunes per day. For children, prune juice ice pops or prune juice mixed with another juice can help disguise the taste.

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