Study shows that prunes may help reduce bone loss in post-menopausal women.
Yuba City, Calif. (PRWEB) October 24, 2007 -- Busy women are turning to super-fruits such as Sunsweet Ones™ individually wrapped prunes because of the fruits’ high level of antioxidants, fiber, potassium and magnesium. What many women may not know about prunes is they may have the ability to reduce bone loss in post-menopausal women and also may help fight osteoporosis, according to a clinical study currently underway. Osteoporosis is one of the leading health concerns for women and World Osteoporosis Day, October 20, helped raise general awareness of this often debilitating condition. Now women may now have a “fruitful” partner in prunes, and can take “One” step closer to reducing bone loss by adding Sunsweet Ones™ to their daily snacking routine.
Osteoporosis, or porous brittle bone, is a disease defined as low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue. In the United States a reported 10 million individuals have osteoporosis, of which 80 percent are women. Aside from drug therapy, nutrition plays an important role in overall bone health. In fact, Oklahoma State University has been doing research over the past five years that looks specifically at how prune consumption can positively affect bone health.
“When people think of bone health they often turn to calcium-rich products like milk or calcium-fortified orange juice. People may be surprised to hear that prunes are naturally rich in nutrients that may help prevent bone loss too, specifically in post-menopausal women,” said Carolyn O’Neil, MS, RD. “Sunsweet Ones™ make it easy for us to have a few on hand – in our purse, desk drawer, or wherever. Ones are the ultimate healthy snack, especially for today’s busy woman who is more prone to bone loss, but is always on the go and looking for convenient prevention.”
Research by Dr. Bahram H. Arjmandi at Oklahoma Sate University found that prunes are highly effective in modulating bone mass in animal models of osteoporosis. Dr. Arjmandi is now testing similar variables in a year-long research project at Florida State University. The current study examines the effect of prunes in women that are two to 10 years post-menopausal. His approach divides female participants into two groups, one consuming prunes and the other dried apples. The research is sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture, with results due to be released summer 2008.
The positive effect from prunes is good news for busy women looking for a healthful snacking alternative. Much to people’s surprise, bite-for-bite and ounce-for-ounce, prunes have more potassium than bananas, more fiber than apples, and more antioxidants than fresh blueberries. In fact, as a collection of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, prunes stack up favorably to any fresh fruit. Sunsweet products, including Sunsweet Ones™, are currently available in the dried fruit or produce sections at major retailers nationwide. For more information about Sunsweet Ones™, please visit www.sunsweetones.com.
About Sunsweet Growers, Inc.
Headquartered in Yuba City, Calif., Sunsweet Growers, Inc. is one of the world’s largest handlers of dried fruits including dried plums, apricots, cranberries and raisins. A grower-owned marketing cooperative, Sunsweet provides healthy options of fruits and juices throughout the globe. The Sunsweet brand is widely recognized as representing products that promote a healthy lifestyle for today’s consumer. Sunsweet is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.
Christine Moravec
Fleishman Hillard
(916) 492-5303
Christine.Moravec @ fleishman.com
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