Eating prunes daily may reduce negative bone effects of oral contraceptives in younger women
September 12, 2024
A recently published study of women ages 18 to 25 shows that eating about one serving of prunes per day for a year may be a safe and inexpensive way to reduce the risk of bone loss associated with oral contraceptive use. The study was published in theSeptember issue ofCurrent Developments in Nutrition, a publication of the American Society of Nutrition.
Specifically, the results show that bone mineral density at the ultradistal radius increased significantly in women taking oral contraceptives (OCs) plus 50 grams of prunes per day for 12 months. The ultradistal radius is an area particularly rich in trabecular bone, which is not solid but is full of holes connected by thin rods and plates of bone tissue.
"Trabecular bone is particularly important for bone health because skeletal sites with more trabecular bone are those most prone to fractures due to osteoporosis," said Dr.Shirin Hooshmand, PhD, RD, principal investigator,San Diego State University.
Although the reasons for the "prune effect" are not fully understood, research suggests that the effects of prunes occur primarily through inhibition of bone resorption by reducing the activity of osteoclasts, a type of bone cell that breaks down bone tissue.
“As a nutrient-dense fruit, prunes have a combination of minerals, vitamin K, phenolics and fiber that is unique among foods and important for bone integrity,” Hooshmand said.
According to the 2024 figures ofNational Institutes of Health, approximately 25% of U.S. women aged 15 to 44 who are currently using contraception reported using the pill as their method of choice.The researchshowed that CO use may be detrimental to bone density, particularly in younger women.
The new study's findings build on a growing body of research examining the effects of prunes on bone health. For example, the Prune Study, a 12-month randomized controlled trial of 183 postmenopausal women ages 55 to 75, showed similar bone benefits with a daily prune intake of 50 grams, or about one serving.
"Now, in addition to the results in postmenopausal women, our study helps complete the story of prunes' effects on bone health to include younger women at increased risk of bone loss," Hooshmand said.
Easy Ways to Enjoy More Prunes
The latest study reminds us that California prunes are delicious, versatile and nutritious. With a deep, sweet flavor and a luxurious texture that is “juicier” than most dried fruits, prunes are more than just an easy snack and work well in both sweet and savory applications.
“Chefs and dietitians alike appreciate the flavor, versatility and many health benefits of prunes,” saidKiaran Locy, director of brand and industry communications for the California Prune Board.Californiahas a long history of cultivating the highest quality prunes in the world, and this expertise really shines through when they are used in recipes.”
The California Prune Board offers these recipes to inspire you in late summer:
- Whipped Feta Dip with Prune Puree, Roasted Peppers and Crushed Pistachios– This fresh, no-cook feta dip from the registered dietitianLiz Shawis bright, herbaceous – and a little naturally sweetened with the addition of pureed prunes. It’s perfect for a casual outdoor gathering, whether with crunchy peppers and buttery pistachios or with other dips like seed crackers and cucumber sticks.
- Roasted Cauliflower with Prunes, Olives, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Chili Pepper– An easy, one-skillet side dish from the James Beard Foundation award-winning chefGregory Gourdetwhich brings together an unexpected combination of roasted, earthy, sweet and briny flavors, along with a bit of heat and a generally sunny Mediterranean vibe. Serve it with grilled meat or as part of a summer vegetarian dish.
- Farro Salad with Prunes and Zesty Herb Vinaigrette– Staying in the Mediterranean atmosphere, this salad recipe developed byKristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDNis bursting with flavor with crisp fennel and walnuts, sweet prunes, fresh herbs and orange zest. It’s also a wilt-resistant choice for a summer potluck and especially good with grilled poultry.
For more ideas on using prunes in recipes, cooks can visitwww.californiaprunes.org.
ABOUT THECALIFORNIAPRUNE BOARD
The California Prune Board was established in 1952 to represent growers and handlers under the authority of theCalifornia Secretary of Food and Agriculture.Californiais the world's largest producer of prunes with orchards in 14 counties in the Valleysfrom SacramentoAndfrom San Joaquin. Promoting a life of wellness through the enjoyment of California prunes, the organization is a leader in the premium prune category with generations of expertise backed byCalifornia's industry-leading food safety and sustainability standards.California Prunes. Prunes. For Life.
For more information, contact:
Amber Gray
amber.gray@wildhive.com
407-948-1560
SOURCE California Prune Board
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