In this article, The Medical Experts @ The Health Standard, share their expert insights of the findings and provide Hawaii residents with evidence-based recommendations for protecting their health.

Why This Matters to You

A new study from Penn State University suggests that prunes may play a significant role in supporting bone health in postmenopausal women. This research is particularly relevant for women in Hawaii County, Hawaii, because maintaining strong bones can significantly impact quality of life and independence.

Incorporating prunes into your daily diet could help preserve bone density and strength, potentially reducing your risk of fractures and osteoporosis. This simple dietary change offers a natural, accessible way to support bone health, especially important for women experiencing age-related bone loss. While more long-term research is needed, this study provides encouraging evidence for the potential benefits of prune consumption on bone health.

We approached our panel of health experts and they added some color to these findings.

Dr. Puja Uppal, Family Medicine, commented: "Engage in weight-bearing exercises by incorporating activities like walking, dancing, or low-impact aerobics into your routine. These exercises stimulate bone formation and improve balance, reducing fall risk. And, you should know that a social mind is a healthy mind. So, while you're dancing your way to a healthy body, you're also working to improve your mental health."

Regular bone health monitoring: Dr. Adriana Davis, DO, recommends: "Schedule your bone density scans, especially if you're over 65 or have risk factors for osteoporosis. Early detection is key to preventing fractures."

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Optimize calcium and vitamin D intake: Dr. Shelandra Bell, DO, also noted that "...while prunes are beneficial, they don't replace calcium and vitamin D or any other prescribed medicines that your doctor may have put you on. This is not the time to just stop taking those--please have a conversation with your doctor before you stop any prescribed medicines."

Reduce fall risks at home: Dr. Lindsay, Boik-Price, an emergency room physician cautioned: "You should conduct a home safety assessment. Remove tripping hazards, improve lighting, and consider grab bars in bathrooms. Strong bones are crucial, but preventing falls is equally important."

Bone density preservation: The study found that daily prune consumption impacted factors related to fracture risk, particularly in the tibia (shin bone).

Maintenance of bone strength: Women who consumed prunes maintained bone density and bone strength and preserved bone structure, especially in cortical bone.

Potential fracture risk reduction: The research suggests that regular prune consumption could help reduce the risk of fracture in postmenopausal women.

Study limitations: The researchers note that while these results are promising, longer-term studies, with larg