A yearlong study by Penn State researchers has discovered that eating prunes daily may help slow bone loss linked to osteoporosis. Published in Osteoporosis International, the research indicates that prunes might also protect bone strength and structure, potentially lowering the risk of fractures in postmenopausal (Menopause (“change of life”) is the time in a woman’s life when menstrual periods stop permanently.) women.
“This is the first study to examine how prunes affect bone structure and strength,” said Mary Jane De Souza, a professor at Penn State. “Our results show that daily prune consumption can significantly reduce the risk of fractures, which is crucial for maintaining bone health.”
Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures, particularly in postmenopausal women who experience a decline in estrogen, a hormone essential for bone health. As women age, bones tend to break down faster than they can regenerate, leading to a decrease in bone density.
The study involved 235 postmenopausal women, who were split into three groups: one with no prunes, one with 50 grams (about four to six prunes) daily, and another with 100 grams (about 10 to 12 prunes) daily. Researchers measured bone strength and density every six months using specialized scans.
After a year, women who didn’t eat prunes experienced a decrease in bone density and strength. However, those who consumed at least four to six prunes a day maintained their bone health. The group that ate more prunes saw a higher dropout rate due to some finding it challenging to stick to the diet.
De Souza emphasized that while prunes could be a natural option for reducing the risk of osteoporosis, more research is necessary. This study supports earlier findings that daily prune consumption helps preserve bone density, offering a simple way for postmenopausal women to support their bone health.