Prune concentrate
Maintaining digestive health is vital to achieving overall
wellness. Prunes, which are the dried fruit of various plum
species, primarily the European plum, or Prunus domestica,
have been known since Biblical times for their benefits in
supporting digestive health.
Prune juice is richer in fiber — both soluble and insoluble
— than plum juice, and is often marketed as a remedy
for constipation and for help with kidney stones. Insoluble
fiber helps speed food through the digestive tract. Soluble
fiber, on the other hand, is a slower-moving fiber, good for
lowering cholesterol and regulating blood-sugar levels.
Prune juice concentrate is made from the high-volume, low-temperature
water extract of prunes. Prune concentrate is obtained by
vacuum evaporation of the water-soluble portion of prunes
to a concentration of about 70% soluble to dissoluble matter.
Prunes are also high in polyphenols, which include
antioxidants that protect cellular DNA against damage, decrease
inflammation, and may help prevent cancer. Prune concentrate
acts as a natural laxative by stimulatating peristalsis
(movement of the muscles in the digestive tract) in the colon,
thereby aiding the process of elimination. Prune concentrate
promotes bowel movements and is believed to help regulate
bowel function.
Interestingly, in a 1990 announcement that came as a shock
to millions of Americans, the US Food & Drug Administration
declared that the common prune was not an effective laxative.
In reality, this was not to be interpreted to mean that prunes
or prune concentrate do not have laxative properties when
taken as foods — rather, the case here is that FDA no
longer regards them as effective as a drug!
Principal Author: M. Ofiyeva
Date of Initial Publication: 07/05/2007
Last Updated: 09/29/2007
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The statements within this website have not
been evaluated by the FDA. Products are not intended to diagnose,
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please consult a physician before taking any dietary supplement.
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Individual results do vary.
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