A popular belief in bone health often revolves around consuming dairy products rich in calcium like milk or yogurt. However, recent studies have highlighted the effectiveness of a specific fruit in promoting bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis affects over three million individuals in the UK, with estimates suggesting the number could be even higher. This condition predominantly impacts women, particularly post-menopause, but also affects men.
The natural process of losing bone density accelerates in some individuals, leading to osteoporosis and an increased susceptibility to fractures.
While prescription medication is commonly recommended for osteoporosis treatment, minimizing high-risk scenarios for fractures is crucial. A study from 2022 revealed that incorporating a particular fruit into daily diet routines can enhance bone density and prevent fractures.
Sharing this discovery on TikTok, Dr. Ashley Ennedy, a board-certified occupational and environmental medicine physician from San Diego, emphasized the benefits of prunes in maintaining mineral bone density. Consuming just 50g of prunes daily can help prevent hip bone mineral density loss in post-menopausal women. Although further research is necessary to validate these findings, prunes could offer a natural dietary approach to reducing osteoporosis risks.
The potential significance of prunes lies in their bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, which may combat inflammation associated with bone loss. As bone renewal slows with age, lifestyle changes and dietary choices, like incorporating prunes, become increasingly important, especially for individuals hesitant to take prescription medications for osteoporosis.