Nutritionist shares 1 food that 'can actually act as medicine if you have constipation,' and how best to eat it

Constipation is a common ailment – but it has a lesser known natural solution, nutritionist Deepshika Jain reveals. Find out what it is.

Regular bowel movement is one of the most common markers of good gut and overall health. However, many people have issues with it and find themselves constipated. To solve the problem, sometimes laxatives are necessary, but most of the time, all that is needed are lifestyle changes and natural remedies.

Prunes have natural laxative properties, shares Deepsikha Jain. (Pexel )

Taking to Instagram on April 17, Deepsikha Jain, a nutritionist and a diabetes educator, shared one food that functions as a natural laxative and how best to consume it.

The laxative property of black prunes

According to Deepshika, “Eating black prunes can actually act as a medicine if you have constipation.”

Prunes are basically plums that have been dehydrated for preservation purposes. Also known as aloo bukhara, they are often used in cooking to provide a tangy, intense flavour in dishes such as biryanis and curries. According to WebMD, they can last in the pantry for six months and sealed in a refrigerator for up to a year.

“Black prunes have actually been shown to cure constipation a lot better because they are a natural source of laxatives,” stated Deepshika. “It has sorbitol that can actually soften your stool, improve your bowel movement and give you relief from constipation.”

How best to consume black prunes?

While it is understandable to think of biryani the moment we hear aloo bukhara as an ingredient, that is not the best way to consume it if we are seeking health benefits. It is better to consume black prunes on their own to provide relief from constipation, shared the nutritionist.

“You can soak four to five black prunes overnight, and you can have them on an empty stomach,” she stated.

According to WebMD, a serving of five prunes contains:

• Calories: 104
• Protein: 1 gram
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 28 grams
• Fibre: 3 grams
• Sugar: 17 grams

They are also loaded with necessary micronutrients such as potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, manganese, copper and vitamin B6.

In addition to supporting digestive health, the consumption of black prunes also provides the following health benefits:

• Supports bone health
• Provides antioxidants to the body
• Supports overactive bladder linked with constipation
• Supports a healthy gut microbiome
• Likely to lower blood pressure

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

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