You know the thing about old wives’ tales? Those wives have been around so long because they’re usually on to something,
We’ve heard about prunes being good for your digestive system from those old wives so often that I really can’t blame you if you stop listening the moment you hear the word prune.
But some new research out Texas A & M University might have you paying attention to those dried plums once again.
In an animal study, rats given a steady diet of prunes didn’t just have happy bowels, they had an ecstatic colon to boot.
And that’s important. Here’s why…
When the researchers examined the rat’s colons they had significantly fewer abnormalities, known as aberrant crypt foci, in the tissue.
Prunes lowered the risk of colon cancer
Now I don’t expect you to have any clue what aberrant crypt foci are (or how to spell it if you’re ever asked), but all you really need to know is that these structural abnormalities are bad news because they’re often seen before polyps and colon cancer develop.
In other words, the prunes, which are actually brimming with potent antioxidants, had lowered the rat’s risk of developing colon cancer.
And as is the case with so many things, it turns out that good bacteria are at the heart of these results.
A good gut bug balance could help prevent cancer
The A&M scientists say those dried plums can help you maintain a good bug balance in the colon… supporting the good bacteria while sending the bad ones packing.
And that balance could be the key to preventing colon cancer.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about how probiotics work this short video is a great way to to do that.
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