Damani et al.  The role of prunes in modulating inflammatory pathways to improve bone health in postmenopausal women. Adv Nutr 2022;Jan 3: 162 doi. 10.1093/advances/nmab162

Who knew!  New pre-clinical and clinical research indicate prunes (Prunus domestica) are a fruit that might be more than a nutritious antioxidant and anti-inflammatory-rich food as well as one that helps keep us regular.

Two of these clinical studies looked at the effects of prune consumption  (50-100 grams/day) for 6-12 months on bone mineral density and blood biomarkers in postmenopausal women and in postmenopausal women who did not consume prunes.  Results in the former group indicate some improvement in both outcome measures.

We already know that calcium, vitamin D3, vitamin K2, magnesium, and other nutrients in food and dietary supplements (e.g., strontium ranelate) may help strengthen bones.  Prunes cannot take the place of adequate nutrition and bone-stressing exercise, like weightlifting, for maintaining bone health and in preventing osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Health Tip:  Eat more prunes, eat a balanced diet, and keep exercising!