Prunes and bone density

[maria40]

I've just watched 'Superfoods' on Channel 4. Apparently research has shown that 5 prunes a day eaten over a year can increase bone density by up to 11%. Astronauts, who suffer acute loss of bone density due to zero gravity, have always included prunes in their space diet to offset this. Might be worth a try - I quite like prunes anyway.

[HeronNS]

Apparently it's true.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[Hidden]

Hi Maria. Don't know about the bone density benefits but they certainly work for me!!

[CT-5012 in reply to Hidden]

That's why the scouts always had prunes and custard for pudding on the second evening of camp. 😫

[SheffieldJane]

Top tip Maria! Other benefits too I think.

[Ladybird25]

Ooer, not sure I like the sounds of prunes.... Very "school dinners"! You have to be careful that you don't get carried away and have too many as the stimulant effect of prunes on the bowel can lead to issues with the nerve supply of the bowel. I'm sure a few wouldn't be a problem though.

[sennetta in reply to Ladybird25]

But the jogging to the loo every five minutes will surely help the bone density! It's possibly a "win win" apart from the high sugar content of the prunes that is!

[Ladybird25]

I've just Googled prunes and I think I might try some! Sounds too good to dismiss.

[Nap1]

True prunes are a very healthy food except for diabetics. Another great form of calcium is algae. Not as tasty as prunes though.

[HeronNS in reply to Nap1]

Nap1, it's the boron in prunes which the pundits recommend. Also they are high in other minerals and some vitamins. I understand algae are full of all sorts of things we can use.

[Hindags]

I love prunes and read about them as a bone building food when I was first diagnosed. I just am concerned with all the sugar. Anyone here know how much sugar/carbs there are in 5 prunes?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hindags]

About 20g sugar, 100 cals.

[Rugger in reply to Hindags]

It depends on the size of the prunes and the amount of water in them. My packet of prunes says a 30g portion contains 48 Calories and 10g carbohydrate (as sugar) and my 5 prunes weigh exactly 30g! This is about the same as an apple or other larger piece of fruit. I love prunes and would rather eat them than my weekly bisphosphonate tablet!!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

This takes you to an article and a link to the original study

happyhealthylonglife.com/ha...

With an appropraite warning: don't eat the prunes all in one go. One an hour is less moving...

[Hindags in reply to PMRpro]

thanks for the tip. will try. One at breakfast, One at lunch, One at dinner, etc and one between if I remember.

[HeronNS in reply to PMRpro]

Or eat your prunes in the same meal as cheese.

[Constance13 in reply to HeronNS]

Tastes goid that way too. Excellent evening meal.

[Jackoh]

Good article- love prunes!!! So I know what I will be trying!

[Insight329]

The article also mentioned how it helps lower C-Reactive Protein levels. I think I'm going to hit the grocery store for some prunes. Thanks for sharing this!

[Ladybird25 in reply to Insight329]

I've just ordered some in my online shopping... Don't really like them,😝but anything's worth a try!😄

[Alsdouble]

Great suggestion, certainly better than the disgusting Natecal D3 it's flavour lingers, everything tastes of it, bleughh! 'orrible stuff. Sod that 4 a game of soldiers.

[Constance13 in reply to Alsdouble]

Last line! Never heard of that one before.😂

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Constance13]

Really? One of our cousins (a former Ombudsman to boot) has used it all the years I've known him