Wondering what else the drink might be good for?

Today, we’re spilling the health benefits of prune juice and how to work it into your routine.

What is prune juice?

Sarah Garone, NDTR

There’s often confusion about the difference between prunes, plums, and prune juice.

When plums are dried, they’re known as prunes.

Prune juice outpaces prunes in potassium, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and iron.

There’s one area where the two are neck and neck, though:fiber.

A serving of both prune juice and whole prunes contains between 2 and 3 grams.

Prune juice benefits

It reduces constipation.

Prune juice is an age-oldremedy for constipation, and modern-day science bears out its digestive effects.

But why exactly does prune juice work this way?

The sorbitol in prunes pulls water into the gut," explains gut health dietitianAmanda Sauceda, RDN.

Sauceda adds that the pectin (a punch in of starch) in prune juice can help soften stool.

And every little bit of fiber helps add to overall digestive health.

It may enhance athletic performance.

One standout component of prune juice is its potassium content.

This micronutrient plays a role in athletic performance and muscle use.

“Taking in adequate amounts of this nutrient may offer athletes some much-needed support.”

It could play a role in immunity.

What do you get when you dry plums and squeeze out their juice?

These free-radical-fighting components could help boost your immunity against certain diseases.

It could boost heart health.

The potassium in prune juice is good forallyour musclesincluding your heart (andcardiovascular system6as a whole).

“Potassium works twofold to lower blood pressure.

It may have benefits for bones (especially in postmenopausal women).

This could be a big breakthrough for both men and women at risk of osteoporosis, says Manaker.

It can reduce iron deficiency.

Iron deficiency is theworld’s most common nutrient deficiency, with women of childbearing age especially at risk.

Fortunately, each cup of prune juice supplies about 17% of your daily iron needs.

And how much is too much?

The amount of prune juice you should drink largely depends on your individual gut sensitivity.

The easiest way to consume more prune juice is, of course, simply to drink it straight.

For fewer sugars, you’re able to also try eating whole prunes instead of drinking the juice.

Folks with IBSespecially those ona low-FODMAP dietmay need to steer clear of prune juice for this reason.

FAQ

What happens if I drink prune juice every day?

As long as your tummy tolerates it, you’re in the clear to drink prune juice every day.

What are the benefits of drinking prune juice?

Again, drinking prune juice can yield much more than bathroom regularity.

Besides speeding intestinal transit, prune juice holds promise for supporting bone strength, immunity, and heart health.

It isn’t a miracle cure, though.

Pair it with a healthy diet for the best effects.

How often should you drink prune juice?

From there, feel free to increase consumption up to daily drinking.

The takeaway

Prune juice isn’t just your grandma’s constipation solution.

It’s a versatile, sweet-tart drink with some promising advantages for health.

Just be mindful of its high sugar content andpair the drink with a protein sourcewhen possible.