Prunes as Anti-aging
The prune is energetic and has many properties beneficial to health. As food against aging, it is placed in first position, followed by raisins, berries (strawberries etc.), cabbage, spinach, pepper and orange.
Prunes: 100 g |
|
| Calories | 172 |
| Proteins | 2,5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Lipids | 0,3 g |
| Calcium | 50 mg |
| Magnesium | 40 mg |
| Potassium | 950 mg |
| Iron | 2,9 mg |
| B1 | 0.1 mg |
| B5 | 0.46 mg |
| B9 | 7,1 ng |
| C | 1,5 mg |
| E | 2,3 mg |
Its Orac (Oxygen Radical absorbency Capacity) index of 100 is the highest among the foods. The main antioxidants it contains are chlorogenic acid (polyphenol) and isomers. Caffeic acid has effects on cholesterol.
Prunes on average weighs 15 grams, and more than 100 grams could be eaten per day without problems (except gastrointestinal).
History and economy
It was introduced in Europa after the Second Crusade of 1149. It was popular with sailors thanks to its conservation and vitamin C. It is from the Agen region that has spread its culture around the world, America, South Africa, Australia. It is now produced mainly in California, then in France, Chile and Argentina.
Culture and preparation
It is cultivated in orchards where the plum trees must be spaced of six meters. Harvesting takes place from late August to late September. Prunes are brought down by shaking the tree manually or with vibrating machines.
Then comes the phase of drying, by sun or in industrial furnaces. In the first case it takes more than ten days. In the second case, this is done in twenty hours. The weight of plums is divided by three.
Nutritional qualities
Cholesterol
It helps reduce the bad LDL cholesterol thanks to fiber and antioxidants phenols. It protects the cardiovascular system.
The brain
It protects the brain from aging by its antioxidants.
The digestive system
It promotes digestion by its fiber content, and natural sorbitol it contains has laxative properties.
Bones
It promotes the insulin that help bone growth and the activity of an enzyme (alkaline phospatase) contributing to the formation of bone.
Sport
If its sugar content (glucose, fructose and sorbitol) is high, the glycemic index of 75 is quite correct, therefore it provides sugar to the body that are distributed in time and avoids the negative peak of glucose and factor of overweight. It may be consumed before and after sporting activity.