Issue Date: October 12, 2008
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.
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More prune benefits
Fight disease: Prunes have more protective antioxidants than any other fruit (their dried form concentrates antioxidants). Antioxidants help combat virtually every chronic disease, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and dementia.
Prevent wrinkles: In a large study, elderly people who ate the most prunes, apples, vegetables, olive oil, fish and legumes had fewer wrinkles and less sun-damaged skin than those who ate lots of meat, butter and milk products.
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