Bone health may not be your number 1 health concern at the moment, but we say prevention is better than cure! Our skeleton gives the body its shape, allows movement, makes blood cells, provides protection to organs and stores minerals and like everything else in your body it needs certain vitamins and minerals to ensure it can function at its best and protect it from chronic diseases such as osteoporosis.
Characterised by loss of bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, osteoporosis is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Bones lose their strength and are more likely to break after a minor fall. Fractures resulting from osteoporosis can occur in various parts of the human body, but the wrist, hip and spine are at particularly great risk. However, adding dried fruits to your routine as part of a balanced diet can help prevent osteoporosis.
Research with dried prunes suggests they have a role in supporting bone health.
Although osteoporosis does not only affect women, they are more susceptible to suffering from this disease because bone loss occurs faster after menopause due to hormonal changes that affect bone density. A study from Florida State University published in the British Journal of Nutrition has proven the effect of prunes in reversing bone loss. A group of postmenopausal women were given 100 grams of prunes per day and were compared to another group that was eating 100 grams of dried figs. The results showed that, after 12 months, compared to the group eating dried apples, the group following the prune-rich diet significantly increased bone mineral density in the ulna (one of the two long bones of the arm) and spine. According to the study authors, this was partly due to the ability of prunes to suppress bone breakdown, which increases more than the rate of new bone growth as people age.
Plus, dried fruits are also a good source of nutrients that are known to influence bone health: calcium, magnesium, and, vitamin K.
So what are you waiting for, add dried fruits to your diet today!
*If you are concerned about osteoporosis, it is a good idea to consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized guidance and recommendations. They can help you create a diet plan that supports your bone health based on your individual needs and circumstances.
