Learning About The Efficacy Of The Prune As A Digestive Aid
One of the first line treatments advised by physicians for constipation may have no pharmaceuticals at all. Rather, he or she will suggest that a patient go on a fiber-intensive diet, supplementing regular foods with psyllium or other sources of fiber. Some natural sources may also be suitable depending on whether they contain enough fiber.
A lot of people have heard of supplements such as metamucil that are fortified with loads of fiber. Metamucil is a product made by Procter and Gamble, marketed to people who suffer from constipation. But a little research will show that there are high fiber foods from entirely natural sources. Prunes, or dried plums, are one such example. The most interesting fact is that prunes contain another agent that is beneficial for treating constipation.
Plums, from which prunes are derived, belong to an ancient dietary tradition. Archaeologists have found prune pits in prehistoric waste deposits dating back thousands of years. As in ancient times, the process for making prunes remains similar. Plums are harvested and then laid out in a moderately cool oven (around 185 degrees Fahrenheit) for 18 hours. The prunes are then collected, after which further work converts them into other prune-like products.
The chemical ingredients of the prune have been found to be diverse and complex, which is likely to be a reason for its efficacy against constipation. But even though the chemicals can be analyzed and categorized, we still don’t fully know how they act on our physiology.
The main fact that is well-known and undisputed is that prunes contain a large amount of fiber. A less well-known but established fact is that prune juice has almost no fiber, yet still is able to provide constipation relief to people who drink it. The reason is due to its sorbitol content. Sorbitol acts as a bulk laxative, and acts synergistically with fiber.
Moreover, people who eat prunes find that it’s a source of high energy because it has both simple and complex sugars such as glucose, fructose, sorbitol and fibers. These sugars don’t act directly as natural laxatives, but ensure that the natural laxative action is accompanied by nutrition.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that there are a number of other useful natural chemicals that support human health. One example are the phenolic compounds that seem to amplify the laxative properties of sorbitol and fiber. Another example is the helpful mineral potassium which aids in muscle contraction. Ample potassium ensures proper muscle energy and function.
Prunes can be eaten plain or be further processed to be part of one’s diet. The famous Beverley-Travis natural laxative home recipe is made up of high fiber and high sorbitol foods, one component of which is our dear friend the prune.
The writings supplied for natural laxatives for constipation will be informative to many. Drop by our site on laxative mineral oil to find out the most latest ideas.