October 23, 2012
dried prunes image

A fruit shown to prevent and reverse bone loss related to osteoporosis? (1) Really? Which one? Dried plums (better known as prunes)! Johnson Chiropractic wants you to know what's best for your bones, so check this out.

Osteoporosis is really a result of loss of bone over time, usually appearing in women who start losing bone mass at a rate of 3% to 5% a year in the first 5 to 7 postmenopausal years and in men after 65 years of age. (2,3) Now, you can't go back and be a teenager again to build the bone, so rely on your Richmond chiropractor to share with you well-documented tips to manage your osteoporosis like eat more dried plums!

Dried plums are an excellent source of polyphenols which may be somewhat responsible for the anabolic and anti-resorptive effects of dried plum on bone. Other bone modulating components like potassium and vitamin K may play a role as well. (1) Either way, dried plums are tasty bone-enhancers!

As a matter of fact, one set of researchers sums up dried plums' role in osteoporosis care by saying that dried plums contain proanabolic factors that can dramatically increase bone volume and restore bone that has already been lost due to aging. Amazing! (4)

Even in ovarian hormone deficiency, the positive effects of dried plums on bone structural and biomechanical properties are noted. (5)

So is it the dried plum itself or its combination of components that are responsible for improving skeletal health? (1) The researchers are not sure, but it seems logical to include some dried plums (prunes) in your diet if osteoporosis is of concern. They're quite tasty in muffins, breads, and other recipes if the idea of eating them plain doesn't turn you on.

Talk with Johnson Chiropractic about your diet and risk for osteoporosis. We offer gentle chiropractic care as well as nutritional advice to help optimize your healthy Richmond lifestyle! Contact Johnson Chiropractic today.