Buzz
Globally, prunes are highly regarded, often taking a place of honor. In the U.S., however, they are frequently the subject of humor. These glossy, naturally sweet dried fruits are both praised and mocked for their digestive benefits. But do they truly help with bowel movements?
Do prunes act as a natural laxative?
Traditional beliefs and countless elders swear by prunes for speeding up digestion. However, the European Union disagrees. In a 2010 decision, the European Food Safety Authority declared it misleading to market prunes as laxatives. This ruling, which pointed to a lack of conclusive evidence, was met with widespread skepticism and criticism.
A frustrated Parliament member openly opposed the decision. “Our citizens don’t need scientific proof,” stated Sir Graham Watson. He even proposed a prune-eating challenge to the health and consumer policy commissioner, urging him to experience the effects firsthand.
Scientific research strongly supports the effectiveness of prunes. Chemist Andy Brunning highlighted on his Compound Chemistry blog that studies from 2008 and 2011 confirmed prunes’ role as a reliable natural laxative.
What makes prunes effective for promoting bowel movements?
Prunes, like many fruits, are rich in insoluble fiber, which aids digestion by adding bulk and speeding up the process. They also contain sorbitol, a sugar alcohol commonly used in sugar-free gum. Naturally present in prunes, sorbitol acts as a laxative, which is why excessive consumption of sugar-free gum can have similar effects.
According to Brunning, sorbitol isn’t the only factor. Prunes also contain neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids, compounds that can stimulate bowel movements, much like the effects of your morning coffee.
Indeed, prunes can help facilitate digestion, but their delightful taste is often overlooked due to their functional reputation. This led to a major rebranding campaign in 2000 by the prune industry. Today, you’re more likely to find them labeled as “dried plums” in the supermarket’s dried-fruit aisle.
“According to our research, 90% of consumers expressed a greater willingness to enjoy the fruit if it were marketed as dried plums rather than prunes,” stated the California Dried Plum Board in a press release titled “You Won’t Have Prunes to Kick Around Anymore.”
Regardless of the name, dried plums retain their ability to aid digestion—despite the European Union’s stance on the matter.
