Prunes – a positive contribution towards digestive health?
Digestion. Perhaps not the most glamorous of topics!
But a healthy digestive system can play an important role in our overall sense of well-being. Digestion is the body’s way of breaking down food. And it’s a sensitive physical process. If it gets out of synch, the entire body can feel its effects. Modern lifestyles – with sedentary jobs, not enough exercise, the consumption of processed foods and stress – can take their toll on the gut.
And, over time, sluggish digestion can become a chronic problem. It can cause emotional issues, like anxiety, and physical issues, like bloating, reflux, constipation and diarrhoea.
For centuries, prunes – and their juice - have been associated with digestive health. Now, scientific findings for prunes and bowel function have backed this up. Research found that Californian prunes assist with normal bowel function just as much as fibre supplements. And the research suggested that prunes should be considered as a first line therapy when it comes to maintaining a healthy bowel.
Prunes – and their juice - contain sorbitol which acts a little bit like a sponge, it attracts and holds water and not all of the sorbitol is digested which is why it is so useful! They also contain fibre. Fibre increases stool bulk and the bowel function depends on heavier stools.
Eating a healthy and balanced diet with the right type of fibre is a great starting point towards managing the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Constipation (IBS-C). Developed with the IBS Network UK, you can download our Diet Guide for Irritable Bowel Syndrome which explores how day to day dietary and lifestyle choices can help with IBS-C.
According to the European Food Safety Authority, consuming around 100g of prunes – on a daily basis - helps to maintain normal bowel function. And the EU Commission has now authorised this health claim for use in the general population. Of course, it is important to eat a balanced diet and keep an active lifestyle.
There could be a number of reasons why your digestive system is working less than optimally. And, of course, there are a number of potential solutions to the problem. But the inclusion of Sunsweet prunes in your everyday diet can be a deliciously simple place to start. Our products are 100% natural and they can be enjoyed by the whole family including children, pregnant women and the elderly. And because we use only the best quality Californian prunes, the Sunsweet range really is the perfect complement to a healthy, balanced diet.
