This Prevents Fractures and Osteoporsis

Eating Prunes (Dried Plums) Helps Prevent Fractures and Osteoporosis...

Research From Florida State University Reports

When it comes to improving bone health in people of all ages, a Florida State University research team has found a simple, proactive solution to help prevent fractures and osteoporosis:eating dried plums (prunes).

All fruits and vegetables have a positive effect on nutrition, but specifically in terms of bone health, prunes are exceptional.

Researchers from Florida State and Oklahoma State University tested two groups of postmenopausal women. Over a 12-month period, the first group, consisting of 55 women, was instructed to consume 100 grams of dried plums (about 10 prunes) each day, while the second (a comparative control group of 45 women) was told to consume 100 grams of dried apples. All of the study's participants also received daily doses of calcium (500 milligrams) and vitamin D (400 international units).

The group that consumed dried plums had significantly higher bone mineral density in the long bones in the forearm and spine, in comparison with the group that ate only dried apples. This was due in part to the ability of dried plums to suppress the rate of bone resorption, or the breakdown of bone, which tends to exceed the rate of new bone growth as people age.

The research was published in the British Journal of Nutrition.

In the United States, about 8 million women have osteoporosis because of the sudden cessation of ovarian hormone production at the onset of menopause. In addition, about 2 million men also have osteoporosis.

"In the first five to seven postmenopausal years, women are at risk of losing bone at a rate of 3 to 5 percent per year," the researchers explained. "However, osteoporosis is not exclusive to women and, indeed, around the age of 65, men start losing bone with the same rapidity as women."

People should be aware of extraordinarily positive effect that

pruneshave on bone density.

"Don't wait until you get a fracture or you are diagnosed with osteoporosis and have to

have prescribed medicine," they cautioned.

"Do something meaningful and practical beforehand. People could start eating two

to three dried plums per day and increase gradually to perhaps six to 10 per day.

Prunes can be eaten in all forms and can
be included in a variety of recipes."

The California Dried Plum Board provided the dried plums for the study, as well as some funding to measure markers of oxidative stress.

Story Source: Florida State University.

Journal Reference:
Comparative effects of dried plum and dried apple on bone in postmenopausal women. British Journal of Nutrition, 2011;

Florida State University (2011, August 18). No bones about it: Eating dried plums helps prevent fractures and osteoporosis, study suggests.

This article is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact your doctor or healthcare professional for medical and nutritional consultation.