I know what you’re thinking: that the reason why prune powder is added to a colon cleanse formula is because prune acts as a natural laxative.

Well, you’re partially right on that one. The real truth is that when you look at the ORAC value of the little old prune, it actually outranks raisins, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, oranges, spinach, kale, and even red grapes and cherries. The prune is clearly a high antioxidant food. Its ORAC value is 5770 ORAC units per 100 grams. Of the other fruits and vegetables mentioned, the next highest ORAC value would be that of raisins, with 2830 units. Because of its high antioxidant properties, any product that prune powder is used in will stay fresher longer. And the beauty of prune powder is that it will lend sweetness to the product as well.

Prune powder adds a whole lot of potassium, which allays the fears that a colon cleansing formula is causing potassium loss by flushing out the electrolytes. It’s a good source of phosphorus, vitamin C, vitamin A, beta-carotene, iron, niacin, pantothenic acid and copper.

Prune powder is made from prunes that are pitted and then air dried down to 8% moisture and then pulverized into powder. This process retains the energetics of the food.

Prunes contain phenols called neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid which neutralize the superoxide anion radical and prevent damage to fats from oxidation.  Inside the insoluble fiber component of prunes is a compound called propionic acid  which inhibits the enzyme that produces cholesterol. Lowering this enzyme’s activity lowers cholesterol levels in research studies. Prune also lowers cholesterol by binding bile acids.

Tags: colon cleanse formula, prune powder, prunes