A superfood fruit that costs just 70p could have a significant impact on boosting bone strength, a recent study suggests. Traditionally, dairy products have been the go-to option for strengthening bones. However, groundbreaking research conducted by Penn State has highlighted prunes as a surprising food that may offer protection to bone health. The study published in Osteoporosis International indicates that daily consumption of prunes could potentially slow down age-related bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures, especially in postmenopausal women.
According to Mary Jane De Souza, a professor at Penn State, the study focused on the three-dimensional aspects of bone health, including structure, geometry, and estimated strength. De Souza emphasised the clinical importance of the findings, particularly in relation to fracture risk. As our bones age, the renewal process slows down, leading to conditions like osteoporosis, which affects over 10 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Postmenopausal women are particularly susceptible to bone loss due to a decline in oestrogen levels. While medications are available to address osteoporosis, many women choose to explore dietary and lifestyle changes. Prunes contain bioactive compounds such as polyphenols that may counteract inflammation, a contributing factor to bone loss. Most traditional methods of diagnosing osteoporosis focus on bone mineral density, but fail to assess the overall structural quality of bones.
The 12-month randomized controlled trial conducted by researchers involved 235 postmenopausal women who were divided into groups based on prune consumption. Results showed that participants who consumed four to six prunes daily maintained bone density and strength, especially in the cortical bone which provides crucial strength. While the study showed promising results, further research is needed to validate the effectiveness of prunes in reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
In conclusion, this study sheds light on the potential benefits of including prunes in the daily diet to improve bone health, particularly in older women. While more research is warranted, the findings offer an intriguing insight into the role of prunes as a natural dietary approach to enhance bone strength and reduce the risk of fractures.