5 Reasons Seniors Should Incorporate Prunes into their Diet

Elderly Care in Indianapolis, IN

Plum with prunes

Plum with prunes

Prune juice is a well-known remedy for constipation. Due to its high fiber content and laxative properties, prune juice is so effective for this purpose that it has become a popular belief that this is all that prunes are good for. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth! Prunes (or dried plums), not in juice form, are tasty and sweet and can be added to a plethora of dishes. In addition, they are filled with many health benefits that seniors need. Here are five reasons why seniors should incorporate prunes into their diet:

1. They Can Help Prevent Diabetes and Obesity

Prunes, and raw plums, contain soluble fiber. In addition to making you feel full and prevent you from overeating, soluble fiber has been shown to keep blood sugar levels stable. Prunes and plums taste sweet, but due to their high fiber content they are not filled with empty calories, making them a nutritious, quick, and easy snack.

2. They Promote Strong Bones

Seniors, due to aging, are at a higher risk for osteoporosis. Because of this, it is important for seniors to eat bone-healthy foods like dairy which is rich in calcium. Prunes can also be an important part of a bone-healthy diet because of their boron content. Boron is a mineral that has shown to help build strong bones and some research has even been done on it to see if it may even be able to treat osteoporosis.

3. They are Iron-rich

Like raisins, another delicious dried fruit, prunes are rich in iron. Eating foods rich in iron on a regular basis can prevent seniors from developing anemia, or an iron deficiency. Anemia can cause fatigue and shortness of breath, among other symptoms, so it is important for seniors to take the steps to avoid anemia which includes eating iron-rich foods daily.

4. They Aid Digestion

Prune juice is famous for relieving constipation, but eating prunes on a regular basis can prevent constipation from becoming a major issue. Since chronic constipation is not uncommon among seniors, it is a good idea for seniors to enjoy fiber-rich prunes regularly to avoid uncomfortable constipation. Prunes are also rich in potassium, another digestive-health promoting nutrient.

5. They Can Help Lower Cholesterol

Prunes may actually absorb cholesterol in the body and help lower high levels of it, making it a heart-healthy food. For a heart-healthy “super meal”, add prunes to a bowl of oatmeal, both of which are rich in soluble fiber and are known to help lower cholesterol.

As with any change to your senior loved one’s regular diet, consult their physician to find out if prunes are ok for them. Foods that are high in fiber can cause complications for people with certain medical conditions.

Source

http://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/top-benefits-of-prunes-prune-juice#2

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable help for elderly care in Indianapolis, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (317) 595-9933 for more information.