Prunes, which are dried plums, are naturally sweet and chewy without any added sugar.
Besides being a tasty snack, they are packed with nutrients like vitamin B6, manganese, and copper, which are essential for helping our bodies release energy from food.
They’re also rich in vitamins and antioxidants that support the immune system and help our cells function properly, protecting the body from illness and keeping it running smoothly.
Fruits and vegetables, including prunes, are known to help lower blood pressure, an important factor in maintaining heart health. High blood pressure, if not managed, can lead to serious conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
The antioxidants and other beneficial compounds found in fruits and vegetables are believed to play a key role in reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Systolic pressure measures the force of blood in the arteries when the heart beats, while diastolic pressure measures it when the heart rests between beats.
Researchers at Shifa College of Medicine recently studied the effects of prunes on heart health, focusing on their potential to manage blood pressure.
They conducted an experiment with 259 participants who had different blood pressure levels. These participants were divided into groups: some ate prunes or drank prune juice daily, while others drank only plain water on an empty stomach.
The results were promising. Participants who ate prunes saw a significant drop in blood pressure compared to those who only drank water.
Surprisingly, eating just three prunes a day had the biggest impact. For those who consumed six prunes daily, the effect was most noticeable on systolic blood pressure.
The study also looked at cholesterol levels, another key factor in heart health. The group that didn’t consume prunes experienced an increase in HDL cholesterol, often called “good” cholesterol, which helps clear harmful cholesterol from the body and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Meanwhile, those who ate prunes had lower overall cholesterol levels, including LDL or “bad” cholesterol. High LDL levels can lead to clogged arteries and heart problems, so reducing it is a good sign for heart health.
This research suggests that adding prunes to your daily diet may help naturally manage blood pressure and support a healthier heart. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for many serious heart conditions, but small lifestyle changes—like eating prunes regularly—can make a difference.
Incorporating prunes into your routine is a simple step toward better heart health. Whether you eat them as a snack or add them to meals, their natural nutrients and health benefits make them a smart choice for anyone looking to take care of their heart.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about how Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies that olive oil may help you live longer, and vitamin D could help lower the risk of autoimmune diseases.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
