- Sweet, succulent and tasty fruit snack
- High in dietary fibre - supports digestive health
- High in vitamin K - supports strong, healthy bones
- Antioxidant rich
- Re-sealable air tight, foil pouch to ensure maxium freshness
- 100% pure botanical ingredients, absolutely nothing added
Organic Prunes from Indigo Herbs have been pitted for your convenience and are a fantastic quality dried plum product. Sweet, succulent and certified Organic, these Prunes are a great addition to porridge, smoothies and can be used when baking to sweeten bread and biscuits.
At Indigo Herbs we are passionate about premium quality Wholefoods. Explore the tabs on this page to find out more about the health benefits, quality, manufacture and suggested use of this wholefood. At Indigo Herbs we are committed to empowering optimum health and nutrition and assisting you to take responsibility for your own health and well being, by having access to many of natures healing botanicals and Superfoods.
Prunes are particularly known for their laxative effect. This is due in part to the large amount of fibre they contain which promotes the free movement of waste matter through the colon.The fibre in prunes also plays an important role in feeding good gut bacteria which is essential to the smooth function of the digestive system as a whole.
Rich in vitamin A, which is essential for healthy eyes and vision, one 25g serving of prunes will provide around 15% of the RDA of this important nutrient. Prunes deliver vitamin A in the form of 5 carotenoids; alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin – these 3 carotenoids are converted into the form of vitamin A used by cells in the eyes that convert light into nerve impulses.
One 25g serving of prunes will provide around twice the RDA of vitamin K, an essential nutrient to the maintenance of normal bones. It works together with vitamin D to produce the protein “osteocalcin” - without this protein minerals cannot bind together to form the density of bones. There is also evidence that vitamin K positively affects calcium balance – a key mineral in bone metabolism.
These organic prunes can be eaten whole, cut up and sprinkled on muesli, used in cooking or baked into a superfood flapjack.
Serving:
Prunes can be eaten whole without preparation. They can tend to have a laxative effect so be careful not to eat too many.
When eating Prunes be careful not to consume too many as they might have a laxative effect.
These soft sweet prunes have been produced in accordance with strict European Organic certification. After harvest the plums are prepared to be cleaned, sorted and pitted. All Plums that don't pass inspection are not included in the drying process. Because the plums loose a lot of moisture during drying they are then boiled for about 30 minutes to ensure they are soft and juicy. All the Organic Prunes are then pitted and checked that no remnants of the stone are inside the fruit. After a second drying process the Prunes are tested for heavy metals and foreign bodies before being packed and made ready to ship.
Vitamin A is the name given to a group of fat-soluble antioxidant compounds. Two different types of vitamin A are found in the diet; “preformed vitamin A” (also referred to as retinol or retinal) is found in animal products and “pro-vitamin A” is found in plant based foods - the most common type being beta-carotene. It was the first fat soluble vitamin to be recognised and is sometimes referred to as the “anti-infective” vitamin due to its enhancement of the body’s immunity against infections by increasing the lymphatic responses against disease forming antigens. It keeps the mucous membranes moist that line the mouth, respiratory passage and urinary tract and enhances the activity of white blood cells.
Known as retinol because it produces the pigments in the retina in the eye, it enables your eyes to adjust to light changes, keeps the eyes moist and improves night vision. It can also significantly reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Vitamin A helps to keep your body free from free radicals and toxins which might cause damage to your skin, helping to keep it soft and supple by ensuring moisture retention. Vitamin A deficiency can impair iron metabolism which can lead to anaemia despite adequate iron intake. Playing an important role in cells’ ability to adapt to perform specific functions in larger organs, the richest sources of preformed vitamin A are found in liver, kidney, butter and whole milk, whereas good sources of pro-vitamin A are dark green leafy vegetables and yellow-orange vegetables such as sweet potatoes and carrots.
Vitamin A contributes to:
· normal iron metabolism
· the maintenance of normal mucous membranes
· the maintenance of normal skin
· the maintenance of normal vision
· the normal function of the immune system
· Vitamin A has a role in the process of cell specialisation
Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin which is best known for its role in helping your blood to clot or coagulate properly by helping to form the proteins necessary for your bloods clotting factor. The K comes from its German name “Koagulations” vitamin.
There are two types of naturally occurring vitamin K; vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) which is found naturally in plants and vitamin K2 (menaquinone) which is made by the bacteria that line your gastrointestinal tract. For proper bone growth and maintenance your body uses multiple vitamins, however, vitamin K and vitamin D work in tandem to produce a protein (osteocalcin) necessary for bones, without this protein minerals could not bind together to form the density of the bones. Fermented foods, such as natto, typically have the highest concentrations of vitamin K found in the human diet followed by alfalfa seeds and dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale and cabbage.
Vitamin K contributes to:
· normal blood clotting
· the maintenance of normal bones
Potassium, the third most abundant mineral in the human body, is an essential mineral whose ions are vital for the functioning of all living cells! Potassium plays a role at both the cellular and electrical level – considered and electrolyte because it carries a tiny electrical charge – it is found in red blood cells, muscles and bones. Our bodies use potassium ions to conduct electrical impulses along muscle and nerve cells, it helps to boost the efficiency of nerve reflexes that transmit messages from one body part to another, this in turn helps in muscle contraction to perform various activities without tiring quickly.
Potassium also has vasodilating properties that work to relieve the tension of blood vessels which is one of the main causes of high blood pressure. It is helpful in reversing the role of sodium in unbalancing normal blood pressure thus acting as a vital component that maintains the normality of blood pressure in the human body. The importance of potassium should not be underestimated in your dietary plan, most famously found in bananas other rich sources of potassium include spinach, avocados and coconut water.
Potassium contributes to:
· normal functioning of the nervous system
· normal muscle function
· the maintenance of normal blood pressure
An essential trace mineral in the body, copper has long been known to play a role in human health – its use dates back to 400 BC when Hippocrates is said to have employed it as a treatment for a variety of disorders. Playing a beneficial role in immune function, you need copper for healthy white blood cells – the cell type tasked with seeking out, identifying and destroying pathogens. Low copper levels lower your white blood count leaving you vulnerable to infection.
Copper is a vital element of the dark pigment melanin which imparts colouration to the hair and skin, intake of copper is said to protect greying hair. Copper helps in the absorption of iron from the intestinal tract and releases it from its primary storage sites like the liver. Also playing a significant role in the synthesis of haemoglobin, myelin and collagen, copper helps to protect the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves and is actively involved in the production of an element of connective tissue, elastin. Functioning as a coenzyme for energy metabolism from the macronutrients in food we consume, copper enables a normal metabolic process in association with amino acids and vitamins. Oxidative stress is a characteristic of copper deficiency, when obtained from dietary sources it acts as an antioxidant, getting rid of free radicals which can damage your cells and DNA. For your body to use copper you need to have a balance of zinc and manganese which is why it is best to obtain your copper from dietary sources where it is already in bioavailable form. Topping the chart as the best source of copper are oysters! Closely followed by kale, shitake mushrooms, seeds, nuts and nut butters.
Copper Contributes to:
· the maintenance of normal connective tissues
· normal energy-yielding metabolism
· the normal functioning of the nervous system
· normal hair pigmentation
· normal iron transport in the body
· normal skin pigmentation
· the normal function of the immune system
· the protection of cells from oxidative stress
Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is a water soluble vitamin. It is one of the eight B vitamins that are essential for human health and is found in a variety of foods, both plant based and animal based, and is not lost in cooking like many of the other vitamins. Vitamin B2 is critical to the breakdown of dietary carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy that you can use. Without adequate riboflavin in the diet the enzymes involved in energy production do not function optimally which can lead to tiredness and stress.
Working in tandem with other B vitamins, vitamin B2 helps to protect the nervous system and plays an important role in saving your body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, serving as a component of the enzyme glutathione reductase which helps to neutralize free radicals. Essential for the formation of fresh red blood cells, vitamin B2 also interacts with iron which is used to synthesize haemoglobin, allowing your body to get the oxygen rich blood needed to perform the daily functions of life. Along with vitamin A, riboflavin also helps to maintain the mucous membranes in the digestive system. Playing a major role in ensuring healthy corneas, perfect vision and radiant skin, vitamin B2 is best consumed as nature intended! Dietary sources rich in this important vitamin include; dark leafy green vegetables, barleygrass, mushrooms, avocados, dairy products and wild rice.
Vitamin B2 contributes to:
· normal energy yielding metabolism
· the normal functioning of the nervous system
· the maintenance of normal mucous membranes
· the maintenance of normal red blood cells
· the maintenance of normal skin
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, plays an essential role in human life and is the most versatile of all the B vitamins! Working closely with the other B vitamins, vitamin B6 contributes to numerous functions in the body. It plays an important role in refurbishing the immune system to the required functional level, this potential health benefit appears to be associated with its role in the metabolism of the amino acid tryptophan. Also referred to as the “mood vitamin”, B6 is needed for proper brain development and function, preventing mental fatigue and helping the body make the feel good hormones serotonin and [censored] that relax and lift your spirits, along with melatonin, the hormone which regulates the body clock.
Vitamin B6 is functional in working with a number of enzymatic systems to make these enzymes work in the desired manner, this association contributes to the proper functioning of the nervous system. It is also involved at several steps in the metabolism of carbohydrates, in particular the enzyme that pulls carbohydrates out of storage in the cell - in the form of a molecule called glycogen – which requires vitamin B6 for its activity and it metabolises a number of other nutrients to extract energy. Vitamin B6 is a key factor in the manufacture of haemoglobin – the oxygen carrying component of red blood cells – and has a role in preventing heart disease. Without enough B6 a compound called homocysteine builds up in the body which can damage blood vessel linings, setting the stage for plaque build-up when the body tries to heal the damage. Vitamin B6 prevents this build-up thereby reducing the risk of heart attack. The availability of this important vitamin is highest in foods like spirulina, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, green beans, walnuts and wheat germ.
Vitamin B6 contributes to:
· the normal functioning of the nervous system
· normal homocysteine metabolism
· normal protein and glycogen metabolism
· normal psychological function
· normal red blood cell formation
· the normal function of the immune system
· the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
· the regulation of hormonal activity
· normal cysteine synthesis
· normal energy-yielding metabolism
Derived from the Greek word for magic, manganese is a trace mineral that is present in tiny amounts in the body and is found mostly in the bones, liver, kidneys and pancreas. It is essential for the proper and normal growth of the human bone structure and is a very effective mineral in aiding in the increase of the mineral density of spinal bone. Manganese is also needed in the production and repair of connective tissue, its specific role is in the manufacture of mucopolysaccharides which are one of the main components of all connective tissues.
Regulation of the body’s metabolism is another vital function of manganese with manganese activated enzymes helping in the metabolism of cholesterol, amino acids and carbohydrates. Also a powerful contributor to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, manganese is a component of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) which helps to fight free radicals. Free radicals occur naturally in the body but can damage cell membranes and DNA, antioxidants such as SOD can help to neutralise free radicals. Rich sources of manganese include; whole grains, nuts and nut butters and leafy vegetables.
Manganese contributes to:
· normal energy-yielding metabolism
· the maintenance of normal bones
· the normal formation of connective tissue
· the protection of cells from oxidative stress
| Nutritional info | Per 100g | Serving 25g | Serving %RDA* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Portion in grams | 25 | ||
| Energy KJ/Kcal | 879KJ/210Kcal | 220KJ/53Kcal | 2.62% |
| Fat | 0.5g | 0.1g | 0.14% |
| of which saturates | 0.1g | 0.0g | |
| Carbohydrate | 60g | 15.0g | 5.77% |
| of which sugars | 38.1g | 9.5g | 10.58% |
| Protein | 2.5g | 0.6g | 1.25% |
| Dietary Fibre | 7.9g | 2g | |
| Salt | 1.00mg | 0.25mg | 0.00% |
| Vitamin A | 0.47mg | 0.12mg | 14.63% |
| Vitamin K | 0.60mg | 0.15mg | 198.33% |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.21mg | 0.05mg | 3.75% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.21mg | 0.05mg | 3.75% |
| Potassium | 732.00mg | 183.00mg | 9.15% |
| Copper | 0.30mg | 0.08mg | 7.50% |
| Manganese | 0.30mg | 0.08mg | 3.75% |
