University of Liverpool researchers have found that including prunes in a health based diet helps lose more weight.
A study by the University's Institute of Psychology, Health and Society tested 100 overweight and obese low fibre consumers whether eating prunes as part of a weight loss diet helped or hindered weight control over a 12-week period, examining if they could tolerate eating substantial numbers of prunes in their diet, and if it had a beneficial effect on appetite.
The participants in the study were divided into two groups - those who ate prunes every day (140g a day for women and 171g a day for men) and those who were given advice on healthy snacks over the period of active weight loss.
Results showed that members of the group which ate prunes as part of a healthy life-style diet lost 2kg in weight and shed 2.5cm off their waists, whereas the people in the group which was given advice on healthy snacks lost only 1.5kg in weight and 1.7cm from their waists.
The study also found that the prune eaters experienced greater weight loss during the last four weeks of the study. After week eight, participants showed increased feelings of fullness in the prune group. Moreover, despite the high daily doses, prunes were well tolerated.
Liverpool psychologist, Dr Jo Harrold who led the research, said that 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. Indeed in the long term they may be beneficial to dieters by tackling hunger and satisfying appetite.
Professor Jason Halford added that along with fresh fruit and vegetables, dried fruit can provide a useful and convenient addition to the diet, especially as controlling appetite during dieting can be tough.