The surprising benefit of prunes for bone health

We’ve all heard the old adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”, now, studies have found that five prunes a day can “keep the doctor away” and even prevent bone deterioration.

Maintaining bone health is imperative to our health as we age to ensure quality of life and avoid osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle resulting in a higher risk of fractures.

One in three women and one in five men over 50 suffer from this bone disease, often unaware they have it until a minor bump or fall ends in a painful fracture.

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition uncovered the benefits of eating five to six prunes a day to maintain “bone hip mineral density, reduced hip fracture risk and reduced inflammatory mediators in postmenopausal women”.

Good for bones, prunes really are the feel good fruit! https://t.co/EHZrWIwuL0

— Sunsweet (@SunsweetGrowers) October 30, 2020

Partnering with the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) for World Osteoporosis Day, prune supplier Sunsweet outlines the many benefits of prunes.

Did you know that 1 in 2 women over 50 will break a bone due to poor bone health? And for men it’s 1 in 5? Share our new risk checker to help your friends and family future proof their bones.

Share the risk checker: https://t.co/IxMwduBcCZ#worldosteoporosisday #checkyourrisk pic.twitter.com/sGN7P38sQP

— Royal Osteoporosis Society (@RoyalOsteoSoc) October 19, 2022

“Prunes contain a variety of vitamins and minerals including fibre, vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, boron, copper and polyphenols that likely work together to support healthy bone building, structure and maintenance,” a statement by the company said.

“And it’s not just post-menopausal women who can reap the benefits of daily prunes, prunes are an important food-based option to support bone health across the lifespan. A first-of-its-kind study saw positive effects on markers of bone health after men ate 10-12 prunes per day for one year.”

Preventing and treating osteoporosis is key to maintaining independence and overall happiness in age as fractures can be debilitating, having the potential to cause significant pain and disability.

Without treatment, 1 broken bone leads to another, yet ca. 80% of people who have a 1st fracture are not tested & treated for #osteoporosis. If you’ve broken a bone after a fall, ask your hospital whether a Fracture Liaison Service is available. #WOD22https://t.co/etOAy1mkXu pic.twitter.com/rwsEDMXyQ5

— Osteoporosis IOF (@iofbonehealth) October 17, 2022

The IOF stress the importance of eating a balanced diet that promotes bone health as well as obtaining enough vitamin D is key. Keeping an active lifestyle and undertaking weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises should also be practised to help maintain good bone health.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.