Most people wrinkle their nose up when you say the word prune
, but they are nothing more than dried plums and they really are very good.
And good for you.
But still, people often overlook prunes as a healthy snack option
because of the preconceived image of their grandfather drinking prune juice
to help lubricate his internal plumbing.
Well, I hereby forbid you to avoid prunes any longer! I declare 2015 "the year of the prune" because prunes are a great way to help stick with your healthy resolutions.
Sunsweet® makes it easy to snack healthy with prunes. You can enjoy Sunsweet PlumSmart® Light juice made from fresh, juicy plums, or eat Sunsweet Amaz!n™ Prunes and Sunsweet Amaz!n™ Diced Prunes right from the bag.
Benefits of Prunes
Studies have shown that prunes can be a very beneficial part of a healthy diet. They contain nutrients that support a healthy body.
- Bone Health: Prunes may promote healthy bones. Dr. Bahram H. Arjmandi of Florida State University says, "Dried plums (prunes) are the most bone-friendly fruit that I have seen in decades. They are nature's solution to maintaining good bone health." Dr. Arjmandi hypothesizes that the many compounds and nutrients contained in prunes, such as vitamin K, potassium, copper and boron, likely work synergistically to have this positive effect. Additional research is currently being conducted to learn more about prunes and bone health.
- Potassium: Potassium may help prevent hypertension and stroke and play a role in helping support cell energy by regulating fluid balance, nerve impulses and muscle contraction to increase energy.
- Fiber: A diet containing foods with fiber can replace fats and sweets, and contributes to heart health.
- Regularity: A fiber rich diet may contribute to maintaining a consistent digestive tract which helps lead to improved digestive health.
Prunes also have a low glycemic index, and only 100 calories per serving.
In addition to enjoying prune juice and prunes right from the bag, you can also create delicious snacks using prunes or diced prunes as one of the ingredients. They add sweetness and delicious flavor!
I made Vanilla Plum Energy Bites!
Vanilla Plum Energy Bars
Ingredients
- ½ cup dates - 6-8 dates
- ½ cup prunes or diced prunes
- ½ cup raw almonds
- 2 tsp vanilla
- ⅛ tsp salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor and puree until combined and sticking together.
- If the mixture seems a bit too dry, add water and continue to puree. You probably won't need it.
- Remove mixture from bowl and take small pieces of the mixture and roll into small balls. Makes approx. 16-18 bite sized balls.
- Chill until eaten.
These are SO GOOD. It's hard to eat just one, but they are good for you so go ahead and eat a couple.
It is possible to enjoy delicious and healthy snacks to help keep your resolutions on target!
Sue
Not much effort for a really good result.
Sarh S
I'm not a fan of prunes, but my middle child has tummy issues. I'll keep these in mind for him next time he has some trouble, maybe with transforming them and adding more flavors he'll be more likely to take to the prunes.
Sara P. (@SensiblySara)
I don't care for prunes, but I think I am going to try them again because I didn't realize they had SUCH great health benefits. Your Vanilla Plum Energy Bites look like something my kids could scarf down!
Chrystal @ YUM eating
I love plums and prunes and have started getting into energy bites. These sound amazing and super duper healthy!
Lynndee
Good to know about the benefits of prunes. I've never used them in a snack recipe. I do remember munching on just prunes when I was little.
Rosey
Those little energy bites look great to me. I haven't tried plums in years!
Kori
Those do sound pretty good and I can't even say that I'm a huge fan of prunes. But I'd give those a try.
Courtney
Ahhhhh I am not a prune fan at all... But my daughter loves them!! I will have to give this recipe a try for her!
R U S S
I'm guilty. I'm one of them folks who haven't really appreciated prunes, but I've heard of all its benefits especially from my Mom - she loves prunes! But I think I might give it a try with this recipe because it doesn't look too prune-y.
Fi Ní Neachtáin
Oh I could do with some of these at the moment, I need the energy! I don't think I've ever had prunes before, I have to give them a try.
Myrabev
I love prunes but not prune juice weirdly enough, the energy bites look delicious, thanks for the recipe
tammileetips
These look energy bites look amazing!! I love having things like this on hand to keep me going through the day.
Liz Mays
Yes, I love prunes, and I'll eat them straight from the bag. However, I like them in cereal, oatmeal or in desserts too.
Kathy
I'm not a big fan of prunes..but if I put them in a recipe then I'll most likely eat them. I try to get healthy foods in by whipping up a recipe, and this one sure looks tasty!
Diane /ElGeorgia
Wow! I really need to make this recipe. we love prunes in this house but im still not a prune juice fan.
Michelle de Guzman
Growing up I remember my Grandmother always giving us prunes. To this day I love them and they remind me of winter days hanging out with her.
Krystal
Those look really great! I love prunes. They taste good, and they're good for you. I'm going to try this recipe.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy)
Those sounds so good. I forget about prunes sometimes.