Eating This Delicious Dried Fruit Every Day Can Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease

Dried fruit is a great alternative to sugary treats like baked goods or candy when you’re craving a sweet snack. Reaching for prunes (dried plums) is one of the best options to get some amazing health perks, too. In fact, new research suggests that eating prunes daily can lower your risk of heart disease!

A recent study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food looked at the benefits of eating prunes on daily basis for postmenopausal women. Participants were encouraged to have either no prunes at all or eat at least 50 grams (roughly six prunes) a day. After six months, women who ate 50 grams or more were less likely to get heart disease compared to those who went without.

Researchers credited this to the dried fruit’s high amount of antioxidants, including neochlorogenic acid and chlorogenic acid, which can help lower blood sugar and  cholesterol. They also claim that the prunes were able to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in participants. Over time, this can protect your body from other chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer.

The study supports previous research which highlighted how prunes contain seven times the amount of antioxidants in regular plums before getting dried out. They’ve also topped the list of fruits with the most antioxidants — beating out raisins and blueberries. Along with boosting heart health and warding off diseases, the antioxidants offer anti-aging perks like preventing bone and hair loss, and losing weight.

You can head to the store to pick up a bag of prunes or buy some online. For the most health benefits, try sticking to a brand like Sunny Fruit Organic Prunes (Buy on Amazon, $6.85), which doesn’t contain any added sugars or preservatives. Enjoy them on their own or add to a smoothie, yogurt, or oatmeal for a yummy snack!