Women can lose up to 1.5 % of their bone density yearly after menopause. Lifestyle and nutritional factors are known to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Among the nutritional factors, good old prunes have been found to be the most effective fruit in preventing bone loss. In April 2017, a review of 24 studies on prunes and bone health was published in the journal ‘Nutrients’ The author found that prunes enhance bone formation and exert beneficial effects on bone mineral density.
Research published in the journal ‘Osteoporosis International’ studied postmenopausal women with low bone density, who ate 5 prunes daily, for six-months. This research found that prunes were able to prevent the loss of total body Bone Mineral Density.
TRAP-5b, is a blood marker of bone loss which was found to decrease at 3 and 6 months when prunes were eaten daily.
The authors suggest that this may be due, in part, to the ability of prunes to inhibit bone breakdown.
Another study published in the British Journal of Nutrition – September 2011 recruited 236 postmenopausal women.
The women received 100g prunes or dried apple, as well as 500 mg Calcium and 400 IU Vitamin D daily. Bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine, forearm, hip and whole body was assessed at beginning and end of the study. Blood samples were also collected to assess bone biomarkers. Prunes significantly increased BMD of the forearm and spine. In comparison with corresponding baseline values, only prunes significantly decreased serum levels of bone turnover markers. The findings of the present study confirmed the usefulness of prunes in improving BMD in postmenopausal women partly due to suppressing the rate of bone turnover.
To inquire about Kinesiology or nutrition for your health, and maximizing bone strength call Sunshine Coast Nutritionist Karen Emans on 0408748532
Research published in the journal ‘Osteoporosis International’ studied postmenopausal women with low bone density, who ate 5 prunes daily, for six-months. This research found that prunes were able to prevent the loss of total body Bone Mineral Density.
TRAP-5b, is a blood marker of bone loss which was found to decrease at 3 and 6 months when prunes were eaten daily.
The authors suggest that this may be due, in part, to the ability of prunes to inhibit bone breakdown.
Another study published in the British Journal of Nutrition – September 2011 recruited 236 postmenopausal women.
The women received 100g prunes or dried apple, as well as 500 mg Calcium and 400 IU Vitamin D daily. Bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine, forearm, hip and whole body was assessed at beginning and end of the study. Blood samples were also collected to assess bone biomarkers. Prunes significantly increased BMD of the forearm and spine. In comparison with corresponding baseline values, only prunes significantly decreased serum levels of bone turnover markers. The findings of the present study confirmed the usefulness of prunes in improving BMD in postmenopausal women partly due to suppressing the rate of bone turnover.
To inquire about Kinesiology or nutrition for your health, and maximizing bone strength call Sunshine Coast Nutritionist Karen Emans on 0408748532