Pretty convincing study! Besides, grandparents always know better.
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September 20, 2011
What Ten Dried Plums (Prunes) a Day Can Do for Your Bones - The Florida State University Study - Understanding the Science Behind the Prune's Effect Upon Bone Health
“Over my career, I have tested numerous fruits, including figs, dates, strawberries and raisins, and none of them come anywhere close to having the effect on bone density that dried plums, or prunes, have. All fruits and vegetables have a positive effect on nutrition, but in terms of bone health, this particular food is exceptional.
Dried plum(s) significantly increased bone mineral density of the ulna & spine in comparison with dried apples.
In comparison with corresponding baseline values, only dried plum(s) significantly decreased serum levels of bone turnover markers, including bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b.
The findings of this present study confirm the ability of dried plums(s) in improving bone mineral density in postmenopausal women in part due to suppressing the rate of of bone turnover and bone resorption."
-Bahram H. Arjmandi, Florida State’s Margaret A. Sitton Professor and chairman of the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences in the College of Human Sciences.
Hooshmand, S et al "Comparative effects of dried plum and dried apple on bone in postmenopausal women," British Journal of Nutrition 106(6):923-30, September, 2011. Epub 2011 May 31.
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Happy Healthy Long Life: What Ten Dried Plums (Prunes) a Day Can Do for Your Bones - The Florida State University Study - Understanding the Science Behind the Prune's Effect Upon Bone Health