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This One Dried Fruit Can Help Build Stronger Bones
Photo credit: bigstock.com
When most of us think of prunes, which is what we call dried plums, we immediately think of remedies for constipation, because these little dried fruits work wonders when it comes to loosening up the bowels. But research that was published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that these little super sweet fruits are terrific when it comes to our bones as well as our bowels!
First, it was all about calcium. Then they told us we needed more vitamin D. Then we had to engage in weight-bearing exercise to have strong bones. Well, none of that has changed, but if you really want to ensure that you are doing your utmost to keep your bones strong and hard, there is one little trick that can keep your bones strong and healthy for a lifetime.
Florida State University’s Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences found that prunes were one of the most effective ways of preventing, and even reversing, bone loss. This study involved 236 women who had gone through menopause between one and ten years earlier. These women were not on any type of hormone replacement or taking any prescription drugs that would influence the bones. These women were divided into two groups. The first group at 100 grams of prunes, the other group received 100 grams of dried apples. Both groups also received 500 mgs of calcium and 400 IU of Vitamin D every day.
Scientists looked at the bone mineral density of these subjects both before and at the end of this study, as well as blood samples of the bone health markers. This study discovered that those who consumed the prunes had much higher levels of bone mineral density than the group who consumed dried apples. Only the group who consumed the dried plums had a decrease in the bone markers that are linked to a breakdown of bone density.
When you consider that between 5.1 and 5.7 million people in the US are taking prescription medication to increase their bone density or to prevent bone loss, this is huge news! How much easier can it be to maintain strong bones then chomping on a few pieces of dried fruit every day?!
Preventing the breakdown of bone is easier than trying to reverse bone loss so the results of this study are significant. Eating a few dried plums daily can both prevent and reverse bone loss.
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