Sunsweet press release

Research results presented at the Experimental Biology Conference 2015 in Boston, USA strengthen the evidence that consumption of California prunes, as part of a balanced diet, is linked to bone health in postmenopausal women.

A daily portion of prunes can be beneficial for bone health in women
New research shows that eating prunes can have a positive effect on bone health. Previously published studies revealed that daily consumption of 100 g (approx. 8-10 pieces) of California prunes over a year was associated with increased bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. The aim of the new study was to investigate whether 50 g (4-5 prunes) would be as effective. The results suggest that 50 g of prunes may be just as effective in preventing bone loss in older women after menopause where bone mineral density is lower than normal.

“This is particularly compelling as osteoporosis is a serious problem for both men and women, and prunes continue to show promising results in preventing and reversing bone loss. A dried fruit that can easily be included in your diet and can help prevent further bone loss is an incredible discovery," says Shirin Hooshmand, PhD researcher and assistant professor in the Department of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences at San Diego State University.

World Osteoporosis Day 20 October 2015

For the first time, California Prunes is supporting World Osteoporosis Day (WOD), which is celebrated every year on 20 October in more than 97 countries. The WOD is organized by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) together with IOF's member associations. The event raises global awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease.

A diet including prunes is linked to the preservation of a beneficial bacterial flora in the colon which can reduce the risk of colon cancer

Prunes contain a lot of fiber and interest in the effect on the intestinal flora as a result of high fiber intake is increasing. New experiments have investigated how prunes in the diet led to a beneficial change in the relationship between different bacteria, which appears to reduce the development of cancer-forming cells in the colon.

"Further research is needed, but the results of this study are exciting because they suggest that eating prunes may be a viable nutritional strategy in the fight against colon cancer."

Nancy Turner, PhD Research Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A & M University.