Eat dried plums for healthy and strong bones: Study

A recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition has found three important pathways by which dried plums contribute to healthy and strong bones. This study was carried out by the researc

By: Editorial Team | | Updated: October 19, 2015 4:19 pm

A recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition has found three important pathways by which dried plums contribute to healthy and strong bones. This study was carried out by the researchers from San Diego State University and Florida State University. Around fifty-seven million individuals from America suffer from low bone density or osteoporosis, a disease which causes weak and brittle bones which causes fractures with a minor fall or any other stressful activities. Hence, the research team examined the mechanism of the bone-protective properties of dried plums. (Read: Revealed: Why Indians have weaker bones than Americans and Britons) Also Read - Ditch that dip from the supermarket and try this hummus recipe at home

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Dr. Shirin Hooshmand, PhD, said that while it was difficult to identify the exact mechanism behind dried plums’ positive effect on bones, however, this study identified three potential pathways for the mechanism behind the effect of dried plums on bone resorption and bone formation. This, according to study author and researcher Dr. Bahram H. Arjmandi, PhD, RD, Florida State University’s Margaret A.(Read: Relieve constipation naturally with plums)
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Sitton Professor of the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences and Director of the Center for Advancing Exercise and Nutrition Research on Aging (CAENRA) in the College of Human Sciences, was due, in part, to the ability of dried plums to suppress the rate of bone resorption, or the breakdown of bone, which tends to exceed the rate of new bone growth as people age.

Arjmandi suggested that dried plums might actually help to regenerate bone in people who have experienced bone loss, which was a serious issue for men and women alike. Collectively, both the human and animal studies indicate that adding dried plums to the diet may be an effective way to help support healthy bones. However, the research also suggested that dried plums might also support heart health and digestive health. (Read: Add olive oil to your diet for strong bones)

The study found that dried plums help manage weight through improved satiety, perhaps by producing lower glucose and/or appetite-regulating hormone concentrations.

Here are some health benefits of dried plums

1. Weight loss: In a recent study conducted by the University’s Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, overweight or obese participants who ate prunes daily lost about 2 kgs within a period of 12 weeks. Prunes are a good source of energy but takes time to digest leaving the person full for a long period of time. It is also a good source of soluble fibre which further helps you lose weight by preventing overeating.

2. Controls and prevents hypertension: Prunes have high potassium content that helps regulation of blood pressure. About 100 g of prunes contain 745 mg of potassium. A study by Ahmed T and colleagues found that a single dose of prunes (prunes soaked in water) resulted in significant reduction of blood pressure in patients. Another study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that about 17000 participants with high potassium diet were least likely to develop hypertension.

3. Treats hepatitis: The ability of prunes to treat liver disorders is attributed to its fibre content. A clinical trial was carried out to check the effects of prunes on liver function. Study participants who had an increased level of liver enzymes due to damaged liver cells, were given 3 prunes soaked in a glass of water (250ml) overnight. After 8 weeks the participants showed significant reduction in aspartate transaminase and bilirubin suggesting that it might be beneficial for people with liver disease.

With inputs from ANI

Image Source: Getty images

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