You Can't Judge a Book By Its Cover

Say the word "Prune" and you'll get lots of reactions sometimes even giggles. For many this is a food associated with... umm, let's just say... digestive problems. And for many others it's associated with shuffleboard and Hoveround groupies. But you know, there's a reason why wisdom is associated with age, because the older folk (who are normally associated with eating prunes) have a well kept secret—prunes are a dynamo of health benefits.

Backing up a tad, here's a little Prune:101 for you. The process of making prunes has been around for thousands of years. Prunes are acutally made from drying a variety of European plum that originated near the Caspian Sea. This drying method was adopted by many cultures in that region of the world, but it was the California Gold Rush during the 1800's that finally brought the technique to the US. Louis Pellier from France, was one of many caught up in the gold rush that had no luck with mining gold. So, what 's the next best thing? Prunes not coming to mind? Well, Pellier seemed to think so. He planted plum tree cuttings he had brought with him from France. Over 35 years Pellier planted 90,000 acres of plum orchards. The type of tree he planted produced the perfect type of plum for drying and tah dah.....a Prune empire emerged! Today, California is one of the major sources of dried plums (as they are officially called today).

Okay, so now your all education on the US history of prunes, but how are they healthy for you? Hmmm....where to begin. Well prunes are a good source of Vitamins A and C, potassium, iron, and fiber. A quarter cup provides about 12% of your daily value of fiber. A high-fiber diet helps reduce your chances of colorectal cancer. It can also help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, diabetes, among others. Vitamin A is important to eye health, tissue growth, and your immune system. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radicals. It also helps in the process of building and maintaining strong tissues (important to quick recovery after a run) and it's key in general body metabolism. And then there's potassium. Potassium is very important to runners. Potassium is a key electrolyte important in hydration. Potassium plays a part in water balance, metabolic reactions, muscle action, insulin release, and blood pressure.

Okay, so now your mind might be a-whirling from all the previous info. The key thing to remember about prunes is that they can ...

• protect your body from free radicals (prunes have more antioxidants than any other fruit!)
• lower blood pressure
• reduce your chance of stroke
• promote bone health
• decrease your chance of colorectal cancer
• help keep you more regular
• normalize blood-sugar levels
• help with weight loss
• help prevent adult-onset diabetes
• help lower your cholesterol
• help rebuild and maintain tissue

So, try eating a handful of dried plums each day and you'll be happy with the results. Eat them by themselves, add them in a mix of other dried fruits and nuts, or cut them up and use them to top your cold or hot cereal.

How Running Changed My Life: Jerry's Story

Like many, Jerry thought his health was fine until the doctor gave him news otherwise. A little shocked and dismayed, Jerry found his way to running and better health. In his own words, here's Jerry's story.
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About 7 years ago, at age 57, I went to my doctor for a checkup. I always considered myself to be physically fit. I wasn't a jock by any stretch of the imagination, but always did something to work out; I am also obsessive. At this point in my life I had not been working out and had gained some weight. My doctor told me I was overweight and had borderline high blood pressure. He told me to come back in 30 days for another test. He said I should go on an exercise program and a low sodium diet and he would retest my blood pressure.

I was in shock. I did not want to be on medication. I walked into a bookstore and found a book about running. Now I had never been a runner. In fact, I never had any desire to run. I purchased the book, which showed a simple 13-week plan for a beginning runner. A walk run program. I started the program and went back to my doctor after 30 days. My blood pressure was no longer borderline high. It had dropped dramatically in only 30 days and I avoided medicine.

As they say the rest in history. I ran a marathon later that year in Bermuda and another last year in Philadelphia. I also ran a half-marathon in Brooklyn. This year I ran the ING New York marathon and raised money for the NYRR's foundation "Team for Kids". I am a member of a running club called North Jersey Masters and I run several races a month. I've run about 12 races in New York already this year including the Team Championships. Oh, did I forget to tell you that I am 64 years old? I have lost 30 pounds and most people say I look 45! I owe it to running. As I said, I am obsessive, but I do love running.—Jerry

Jerry, you are a true inspiration! I can think of worse obsessions to have than running. Your racing schedule is impressive and your fundraising at the same time for a great organization like Team for Kids, is awesome! Thanks for sharing your story.