Prunes May Build Stronger Bones
If someone asked you what to eat for strong bones, it’s unlikely that prunes would top your list.
But antioxidants in prunes (dried plums) increase bone formation in animals, say new tests at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. Researchers suggest that eating prunes could benefit people at risk of osteoporosis. Previous research found that feeding prunes to animals could both prevent and reverse bone loss, and that post-menopausal women who ate 3.5 ounces a day (about 10 prunes) showed signs of improved bone mineral density.
Next: Clinical trials underway at Florida State University aim to confirm the prune-bone benefit in humans.
This EatSmart column is reprinted from USAWEEKEND Magazine and is copyrighted by Jean Carper. It cannot be reprinted without permission from Jean Carper.
