PRUNES

Introduction

“Prunes are laxative and nutritious...imparting their laxative properties to boiling water, they serve as a pleasant and useful addition to purgative decoctions.

Their pulp is used in the preparation of laxative confections. Too largely taken they are apt to occasion flatulence, griping and indigestion.”

Thus reads the Dispensary of the United States, 1907. As everyone knows, prunes are a laxative and their effectiveness has never been disputed. However, for all their widespread use and worldwide recognition, scientists have never been able to identify what the active ingredient in prunes is. Many have tried, such as the three researchers in 1951. However, their claim was thrown out when later work failed to repeat the isolation of the compound.

Since 1931 scientists have been searching for a chemical in prunes that stimulates contraction of the intestinal wall, and increases fluid secretion. Again this compound has never been found and isolated.

What is in prunes and what does it do?

There are many theories as to what causes the laxative effect with prunes, but no conclusive answers. Some believe that it is the high levels of fibre. This is a reasonable assumption, but the juice from prunes contains no fibre and is still extremely laxative.

Magnesium was another suggestion, so this was isolated and tested for activity. On its own it had no effect, so Dr. Masri, the USDA research biochemist working on the project, reported that:

“...the famous prune chemical works only when it is in the prunes.”

In spite of all this uncertainty no one could ever claim that prunes are not effective as a laxative. In fact, they are so effective that they need to be taken with caution to avoid discomfort.

Prunes are not only valuable as a laxative though. They will protect the body against certain forms of cancer, specifically gastrointestinal and respiratory tract cancers. The American Cancer Society puts this down to the fibre and Vitamin A content, which also protects against any cancers attributable to chemical exposure.

Advice

·         As prunes are a strong laxative it would be unwise to consume too many too quickly. Instead, the level of intake should be built up slowly to suit the particular constitution.

·         Those allergic to sulphile should avoid dried prunes as they are sprayed with this substance to preserve them.

·         Prunes are very versatile and can be used for a variety of meals. They can be added to cereals at breakfast, mixed with other fruits, yoghurt and/ or oats for breakfast or desserts. They are also useful in savoury dishes as an accompaniment to several meats. In addition, the dried fruits make a tasty and convenient snack.