Hooray for old prunes
As women age and their oestrogen levels naturally drop, they are at risk of an increased bone loss which can eventually result in osteoporosis – brittle bone disease. An interesting study tested the effect of daily prune consumption on postmenopausal women’s bone health over a period of six months. They were otherwise healthy and not on hormone replacement therapy.
Women were divided into three groups: 50g (5-6 pieces) of prunes daily, 100g (10-12 pieces) and no prunes at all. Their bone density was measured at the start of the study and at the end and their blood biomarkers of bone metabolism, hormones, calcium, phosphorous and vitamin D levels were also measured. The results showed that either dose of prunes was equally able to prevent bone loss compared with the no-prune control group.
The exact mechanisms by which prunes affect bone are still unknown but and the study’s blood test results along with other research indicate that prunes may be able to slow down bone loss by modulating the activity of cells in the bones.
Prunes are a healthy snack for anyone and a 50g dose provides on average: 1.3g protein, 3.5g fibre, 17-22mg calcium, 12mg magnesium and 1.3mg iron. They are also rich in vitamin K and boron, both essential for healthy bones, as well as antioxidants.
Hooshmand et al., 2016. The effect of two doses of dried plum on bone density and bone biomarkers in osteopenic postmenopausal women: a randomized, controlled trial. Osteoporosis International. 27 (7) 2271-2279.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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