EFFECT OF PRUNE Prunus domestica CONSUMPTION ON BLOOD LIPID PROFILE IN PATIENTS WITH MODERATE HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA

Most of chemical and nutritional plum properties presented in the literature relate to cultivars grown in warm climates. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of prune consumption on blood lipid profiles in patients with moderate hypercholesterolemia. It used plums originating from temperate climates, characterized by lower sugar and higher polyphenol content than fruits grown in areas with greater sunlight. The study was conducted using Prunus domestica cv. 'Valor' plums, dried using the pulsed fluid bed method at the temperature of 80 degrees C. Subjects were given 100 g prunes daily for 6 weeks. During that time, biochemical and morphological blood indexes, anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were monitored. The intake of nutrients and energy value was determined based on 24-hour diet recall interviews. Consumption of prunes resulted in a significant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL fraction and the LDL/HDL atherogenicity index. Dried plums of temperate climate origin exhibit a health-promoting effect on individuals with a disturbed blood lipid profile.