Prune Juice Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Scientific Name: Prunus Domestica

Properties: Antioxidant, Laxative, Nutritive, Cholesterol-lowering

What is Prune Juice?

Prune juice is the juice that comes from prunes. Prunes are dried plums specifically from the European version of the plum plant. The plum plant is part of the Prunus genus. It is related to the peach, nectarine and almond. ¹ Prunes are now often referred to as “dried plums”. Prunes, or dried plums, are sweet in taste and very sticky in texture. The juice that is made by blending or juicing prunes is a hydrating beverage packed with nutrients. ¹

Because of its sticky texture, prune juice is often a lot thicker than other types of fruit juices. It has a sweet taste but is sometimes too strong for some people. You can dilute prune juice in water or with organic apple juice to improve the taste. Prune juice is available at the grocery store. Or you can make it yourself at home by soaking and blending dried plums.

Prune Juice Health Uses and Health Benefits

Prune juice benefits are well-known. It is most commonly used as a mild laxative, but it has other important prune juice benefits for nutrition as well.² Prune juice is high in antioxidants, which are known to help fight free radicals that cause cellular damage. Specifically, prune juice contains antioxidants called carotenoids, which are important for eye health.²

Prune juice also contains dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health and preventing chronic diseases. Other prune juice benefits include being a source of manganese, potassium, magnesium, iron and vitamins C, K and B6. It also contains niacin (B3) and riboflavin (B2), which are important B complex vitamins.²

Because of its nutritional profile, prune juice uses for health and disease prevention include:²

Providing constipation relief
Strengthening bones
Preventing liver disease
Preventing heart disease by lowering bad cholesterol
Prevents or slows colon cancer
Reduces oxidative stress with antioxidant content

One of the most common prune juice uses is as a constipation remedy for babies, children, pregnant women and seniors. Prune juice is a safe alternative to harsh pharmaceutical laxatives. It can provide enough water and dietary fiber to relieve constipation in adults as well. ²

Prune Juice Side Effects and Precautions

Prune juice side effects are limited. It is possible to develop an allergy to them due to their histamine content. Avoid drinking prune juice if you are currently suffering from diarrhea.

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