Prunes are as good as a forgotten fruit. Though they are extremely nutritious and have a multitude of health benefits the fruit has lost its importance. One of the basic benefits that the fruit offers the body is regulated bowel movements. Eating a healthy serving of the fruit ensures the person regular bowels; thereby preventing constipation.

One of the other benefits that prunes offers is protection against osteoporosis. It preserves the bone mass and strengthens the bones thereby preventing the condition. It also protects the bones against fractures.

Prunes are a good source of vitamin A; however you must also note that they are high in sugar so you must watch the amount of prunes that you eat daily. Prune juice is also healthy but it is high in calories and therefore you must limit your intake to one cup a day.

They make a healthy snack due to the presence of high amounts of fiber, potassium and antioxidants. Thus eating a bowel full of these fruits occasionally is not a bad idea. The presence of potassium in these fruits makes them a heart healthy food. This mineral keeps the heart healthy and functioning properly.

The presence of Vitamin C in the fruit ensures that the body is able to absorb iron thereby helping to strengthen your heart.

Prunes are fibrous fruits and therefore they must not eat them in high quantities as they may have a laxative effect on your body.

How to incorporate prunes in your diet

If eating dry shriveled up prunes is not appealing to your senses then there are several other ways you can include them in your diet. Adding these fruits as a dessert topping is a good way to include them in your diet. In addition to this you can use it as a natural sweetener.

Though the fruit has several benefits to offer you must avoid them if you have kidney or gall stones. In this case they could be fatal to your health. You must also check for any allergic reaction to the fruit; in this case it may be life threatening and must be avoided.