California Prune Board Reveals Study Showing Prunes Could Help Holiday Cravings; Andrea N. Giancoli and Jason C G Halford Discuss
ROSEVILLE, CA - Prunes are bringing a whole new meaning to “functional foods,” and just in time for holiday feasts. The California Prune Board recently revealed the results of a study from the University of Liverpool, England, which states that consumers who eat prunes may have more control over their appetite, potentially leading to less calories consumed this holiday season.
"This study reveals that nutrient-dense prunes can provide an advantage over other snack choices due to their favorable effects on satiety and appetite control," said Andrea N. Giancoli, MPH, RD Nutrition Advisor for the California Prune Board.
In the first phase of this study, researchers compared satiety, appetite, and caloric intake among participants who consumed a snack of either prunes, raisins, or jelly-bean-like candy, which were all comparable in calories. The research states that those who ate prunes consumed the fewest calories overall at subsequent meals, a press release explained. The prune snackers also reportedly experienced reduced hunger levels, improved satiety, and a greater perceived ability to eat less food at subsequent meals.
Participants were divided into two groups for the second study: a group who followed a 12-week weight loss program with prunes as their snack, and a group who followed the same program but were only provided with guidance on healthy snacking. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of pounds lost, however, the prune group experienced greater weight loss on average than the group who only received healthy snacking guidelines (-4.4 lbs versus -3.4 lbs). Those who consumed prunes also reportedly experienced higher levels of satisfaction and greater ease of following the weight-loss program.
"These studies demonstrate that dried fruit can both produce satiety and be incorporated into diet during weight management," said Professor Jason C G Halford, University of Leeds and President of the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), who was part of the research team. "These are the first data to demonstrate both weight loss and no negative side effects when consuming prunes as part of a weight management diet."
To take a closer look at the study, please click here.
Be sure to have fresh supplies of this fruit at the ready, because once consumers hear about this research, they will be rushing to the store faster than you can say “prunes.”
