Prunes vs. Kiwi — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison
Introduction
This article compares prunes and kiwifruit, examining their general differences, nutritional content, and health impacts. Dried fruits like prunes are widely used in gastronomy worldwide, with dates being a staple in Middle Eastern cultures. Similarly, kiwifruit is consumed globally and is an integral part of many people's diets across various nations.
Nutrition
In this section, we will compare the nutritional values of Kiwifruit and prunes, concentrating on differences.
Macronutrients and Calories
Prunes are high in all macronutrients and denser than Kiwifruit. Kiwifruit contains 83% water, whereas prunes have 31% water.
Macronutrient Comparison
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ProteinProtein
+91.2%
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CarbsCarbs
+335.7%
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OtherOther
+332.8%
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FatsFats
+36.8%
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WaterWater
+168.7%
Calories
Kiwifruit and prunes have 61 and 240 kcal per hundred grams, respectively. One cup (180 g) of Kiwifruit provides 110 kcal, whereas one cup (174 g) of prunes has 418 kcal.
Protein
Prunes have a slightly higher protein content than Kiwifruit. In a 100-gram serving, Kiwifruit and prunes have 1.14 and 2.18 grams of protein, respectively.
Fats
Kiwifruit and prunes contain less than 1g of fat in 100 grams. Kiwifruit provides only 0.52g of fats, whereas prunes provide 0.38g. Moreover, prunes contain more monounsaturated and saturated fats, whereas Kiwifruit provides more polyunsaturated fats.
Fat Type Comparison
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Mono. FatMonounsaturated Fat
+12.8%
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Sat. FatSaturated Fat
-67%
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Poly. FatPolyunsaturated fat
+362.9%
Carbohydrates
100g of Kiwifruit contains 14.66g of carbohydrates, of which 3g are dietary fiber and 11.66g are net carbs.100g of prunes contains 63.88g of carbohydrates, of which 7.1g are dietary fiber and 56.78g are net carbs.
The primary carbohydrate types in Kiwifruit and prunes are glucose and fructose. However, it's worth noting that both also contain trace amounts of sucrose, maltose, and galactose.
Carbohydrate type comparison
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StarchStarch
+∞%
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GlucoseGlucose
+519.5%
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FructoseFructose
+186.2%
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MaltoseMaltose
+216.7%
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GalactoseGalactose
+∞%
Vitamins
Kiwifruit has over 155 times more vitamin C, six times more folate, and 3.4 times more vitamin E, whereas prunes have nine times more vitamin A.
In a 100-gram serving, kiwi fruit and prunes have 92.7 mg and 0.6 mg of vitamin C, respectively. A hundred grams of Kiwifruit has 87 IU of vitamin A, whereas prunes have 781 IU.
Kiwifruit provides 40.3µg of vitamin K, whereas prunes have 59.5µg. Moreover, prunes are high in vitamin B1 (1.8 times more), vitamin B2 (7 times more), vitamin B3 (5.5 times more), vitamin B5 (2.3 times more), and vitamin B6 (3.2 times more).
Vitamin Comparison
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Vitamin AVitamin A
+797.7%
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Vitamin B1Vitamin B1
+88.9%
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Vitamin B2Vitamin B2
+644%
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Vitamin B3Vitamin B3
+451.9%
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Vitamin B5Vitamin B5
+130.6%
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Vitamin B6Vitamin B6
+225.4%
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Vitamin KVitamin K
+47.6%
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CholineCholine
+29.5%
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Vitamin CVitamin C
+15350%
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Vitamin EVitamin E
+239.5%
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FolateFolate
+525%
Minerals
Prunes contain more potassium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Both contain similar amounts of sodium and selenium.
Mineral Comparison
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MagnesiumMagnesium
+141.2%
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CalciumCalcium
+26.5%
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PotassiumPotassium
+134.6%
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IronIron
+200%
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CopperCopper
+116.2%
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ZincZinc
+214.3%
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PhosphorusPhosphorus
+102.9%
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SodiumSodium
-33.3%
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ManganeseManganese
+205.1%
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SeleniumSelenium
+50%
Oxalate content
The oxalate content of Kiwifruit is 20 mg per 100 grams. Kiwifruit is considered low in oxalates. There is no information about the oxalate content of prunes.
Glycemic Index
Prunes have a low glycemic index. The glycemic index of prunes is 29. Kiwifruit has a glycemic index of 58. Kiwi is a medium-GI food.
Acidity
Kiwifruit and prunes are alkaline-forming foods; prunes are considerably more alkaline, with a PRAL value of -13.4 compared to kiwifruit's -5.6.
Weight Loss & Diets
Because of its low calorie and high dietary fiber content, Kiwifruit may help increase feelings of fullness and lower total calorie intake.
Its high vitamin C content also supports metabolism and fat oxidation. On the other hand, prunes are higher in calories but exceptionally rich in fiber, particularly soluble fiber, which improves healthy digestion and can help prevent constipation, a common issue during weight loss. The natural sweetness of prunes can also satisfy sugar cravings, reducing the need for unhealthy snacks. Both fruits have their merits, but Kiwifruit may be more advantageous for those focusing strictly on calorie reduction. At the same time, prunes can be beneficial for maintaining digestive health and controlling appetite through increased fiber intake.
Health Benefits
Antioxidant activities
Kiwifruit and prunes offer impressive health benefits due to their rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Kiwifruit is exceptionally high in vitamins C and E, carotenoids like lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene, and polyphenol compounds like chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid (1,2,3,4). These nutrients contribute to heart health, reduce the risk of cancer and overall mortality, and support immune function. Kiwis also enhance digestive health due to their high fiber content. Conversely, prunes are rich in polyphenols, which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing markers of inflammation and oxidation (5).
Cardiovascular Health
Kiwifruit consumption is linked to reductions in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and platelet aggregation, lowering the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, particularly in smokers(6,7,8,9). Prunes, high in potassium and fiber, help to manage blood pressure and reduce blood cholesterol levels, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in postmenopausal women (10,11,12). While kiwifruit excels in improving lipid profiles and lowering blood pressure, prunes are notable for their potassium content and positive effects on blood lipid control.
Digestive Health
Studies indicate that kiwis can improve stool consistency and alleviate chronic constipation. Additionally, Kiwis support gut health by promoting beneficial gut bacteria (13,14). Prunes, high in fiber and low in glycemic index, help manage weight by prolonging satiety and stabilizing blood sugar levels. They also positively influence gut microbiota, increasing beneficial bifidobacteria and potentially lowering the risk of colon cancer (15,16).
Downsides and Risks
Kiwis can cause allergic reactions in some people, particularly children, due to allergens like actinidin (17). Prunes can cause gas, bloating, and digestive upsets due to their sorbitol content and high dietary fiber (18). Additionally, prunes and prune juice are calorie-dense and high in sugar, which may affect weight management if consumed in large quantities.
Summary
Kiwifruit is particularly notable for its high Vitamin C content, providing a significant 102% higher daily need coverage for this essential vitamin.
In contrast, prunes excel at providing a wide range of other essential nutrients. They are richer in copper, fiber, vitamin K, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin B3 (niacin), manganese, and iron.
General Differences
Kiwifruit has a fuzzy brown exterior and brilliant green flesh studded with tiny black seeds, making it tangy-sweet and refreshing. It is abundant in Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants and has been linked to improved immune function and digestive health. In contrast, prunes have a wrinkled, dark purple to black exterior and a sticky, chewy texture from drying. They boast an intensely sweet flavor with caramel-like richness. They are particularly high in dietary fiber, potassium, and Vitamin K. Prunes are renowned for their digestive health benefits, aiding bowel regularity. While kiwifruit is commonly eaten fresh or added to various dishes, prunes are often used in baking and savory cooking or enjoyed as a healthy snack.
Taste and Use
Prunes and kiwifruit offer distinct flavors and versatile culinary uses. Prunes have a sweet, rich, caramel-like flavor with a chewy texture, making them ideal for making baked goods naturally sweet and moist, like cakes and muffins, and enhancing savory dishes such as stews and tagines. They are also enjoyed individually as a snack or paired with nuts and cheese. In contrast, kiwifruit boasts a tangy-sweet, slightly tart flavor with juicy, vibrant green flesh, perfect for fresh consumption. They are commonly used in smoothies, fruit salads, desserts, and toppings for yogurt and cereals. The bright color and refreshing taste of kiwifruit also make it a popular garnish for cocktails and a lively addition to salsas and salads.
Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6250988/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7778430/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7914463/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7327949/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12769544/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25483553/ ,
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7767086/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6267416/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4572627/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6130511/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33978491/
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6267416/
- https://journals.lww.com/ajg/fulltext/2020/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36350082/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25109788/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4928771/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6693595/
Infographic
Comparison summary table
Lower in Sodium | |||
Lower in Glycemic Index | |||
Rich in minerals | |||
Rich in vitamins | |||
Lower in Sugar | |||
Lower in Saturated Fat | |||
Lower in price | |||
Lower in Cholesterol | Equal |
All nutrients comparison - raw data values
Nutrient | Opinion | ||
Calories | 240kcal | 61kcal | |
Protein | 2.18g | 1.14g | |
Fats | 0.38g | 0.52g | |
Vitamin C | 0.6mg | 92.7mg | |
Net carbs | 56.78g | 11.66g | |
Carbs | 63.88g | 14.66g | |
Magnesium | 41mg | 17mg | |
Calcium | 43mg | 34mg | |
Potassium | 732mg | 312mg | |
Iron | 0.93mg | 0.31mg | |
Sugar | 38.13g | 8.99g | |
Fiber | 7.1g | 3g | |
Copper | 0.281mg | 0.13mg | |
Zinc | 0.44mg | 0.14mg | |
Starch | 5.11g | 0g | |
Phosphorus | 69mg | 34mg | |
Sodium | 2mg | 3mg | |
Vitamin A | 781IU | 87IU | |
Vitamin A | 39µg | 4µg | |
Vitamin E | 0.43mg | 1.46mg | |
Manganese | 0.299mg | 0.098mg | |
Selenium | 0.3µg | 0.2µg | |
Vitamin B1 | 0.051mg | 0.027mg | |
Vitamin B2 | 0.186mg | 0.025mg | |
Vitamin B3 | 1.882mg | 0.341mg | |
Vitamin B5 | 0.422mg | 0.183mg | |
Vitamin B6 | 0.205mg | 0.063mg | |
Vitamin K | 59.5µg | 40.3µg | |
Folate | 4µg | 25µg | |
Choline | 10.1mg | 7.8mg | |
Saturated Fat | 0.088g | 0.029g | |
Monounsaturated Fat | 0.053g | 0.047g | |
Polyunsaturated fat | 0.062g | 0.287g | |
Tryptophan | 0.025mg | 0.015mg | |
Threonine | 0.049mg | 0.047mg | |
Isoleucine | 0.041mg | 0.051mg | |
Leucine | 0.066mg | 0.066mg | |
Lysine | 0.05mg | 0.061mg | |
Methionine | 0.016mg | 0.024mg | |
Phenylalanine | 0.052mg | 0.044mg | |
Valine | 0.056mg | 0.057mg | |
Histidine | 0.027mg | 0.027mg | |
Fructose | 12.45g | 4.35g |
Which food is preferable for your diet?
Low Calories diet | ||
Low Fats diet | ||
Low Carbs diet | ||
Low Glycemic Index diet |
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Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
Comparison summary
References
All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.
- Prunes - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168162/nutrients
- Kiwi - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168153/nutrients
All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.