The Best Fruit For Healthy Bones
huffingtonpost.co.uk • • health
Key Points:
- A study involving 235 postmenopausal women found that consuming 50g (five to six) prunes daily for 12 months helped preserve bone density and strength at the hip, a critical weight-bearing area prone to fractures.
- Women who did not consume prunes experienced a 1.1% bone loss over the same period, while those who ate prunes maintained their bone density, suggesting potential for reducing fracture risk.
- The prune intake also positively influenced bone quality, including structure, geometry, and estimated strength of the tibia, marking the first randomized controlled trial to assess these three-dimensional bone outcomes.
- Prunes are rich in anti-inflammatory polyphenols and vitamin K, which help balance calcium and support bone health, making them a beneficial dietary addition for postmenopausal women at risk of osteoporosis.
- The study emphasizes the importance of factors beyond calcium and vitamin D, such as diet and lifestyle choices like avoiding smoking, to maintain bone health and reduce fracture risk with aging.
