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We all might have some preconceived notions when it comes to prunes (aka dried plums). It’s no secret that they have a reputation for being afood that helps keep you regular. We can thank their impressive fiber content for that—3 grams per just five prunes or a cup of prune juice! However, new research has found that these dried fruits might offer more than just digestive health benefits.
Bone-Healthy Recipes
Luckily, modifiable factors like food choices are becoming increasingly popular for reducing osteoporosis risk, particularly following a Mediterranean diet. Most research around foods for osteoporosis focuses on bone-healthy nutrients likecalcium and vitamin D. But this study focused on prune’s anti-inflammatory potential and how it might support healthy bones.
The researchers took a look at numerous existing studies around prunes and bone health. Fromin vivostudies to rodent studies to clinical trials, they reviewed more than 18 studies that all showed prunes provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components that might prevent—and even reverse—bone loss. Prunes are high in potassium, copper, vitamin K, vitamin A and many phenolic compounds, which are a type ofantioxidant. The researchers explained that these nutrients and phenolic compounds might work synergistically to help maintain bone health after menopause while also reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Prunes also provide some gut-healthy benefits from their high fiber content, which might also help quell inflammation. The clinical trials they reviewed found beneficial results in people consuming 50 to 100 grams of prunes per day (roughly ¼ to ½ cup of dried prunes).
While more research is needed to clarify the relationship between prunes and bone health, this is pretty compelling evidence to add them to your eating pattern, especially if you are a postmenopausal woman.
They might not be the most glamorous food around, but there are several delicious and nutritious recipes to help you enjoy prunes, beyond just eating them dried or drinking their juice. Try ourBraised Brisket with Carrots & Prunesor ourDrunken Prunesfor an after-dinner treat.
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