Prunes Fiber for Regularity Lower Cholesterol and Intestinal Protection

Prunes are well known for their ability to prevent constipation. In addition to providing bulk and decreasing the transit time of fecal matter, thus decreasing the risk of colon cancer and hemorrhoids, prunes insoluble fiber also provides food for the friendly bacteria in the large intestine. When these helpful bacteria ferment prunes insoluble fiber, they produce a short chain fatty acid called butyric acid, which serves as the primary fuel for the cells of the large intestine and helps maintain a healthy colon. These helpful bacteria also create two other short chain fatty acids, propionic and acetic acid, which are used as fuel by the cells of the liver and muscles.