A long-term study has highlighted the benefits of eating prunes to reduce the risk of bone loss associated with oral contraceptive use.
The year-long trial, which was published in Current Development in Nutrition, found that the bone mineral density of participants increased significantly in those eating 50g of prunes per day while taking oral contraceptives.
Researchers found that the density of the ultradistal radius — an area of the skeleton rich in trabecular bone, which is more prone to fracture owing to its filamented structure.
The study involved women between the ages of 18 and 25.
While it isn't fully understood how prunes exhibit their positive effects on bone health, scientists currently believe that they function by inhibiting bone resorption by reducing osteoclast (bone-degrading cell) activity.
“As a nutrient-rich fruit, prunes have a combination of minerals, vitamin K, phenolic compounds and fibre that is unique among foods and is important for bone integrity,” Hooshmand said.
"In addition to the findings among postmenopausal women, this study helps prove that prunes can benefit younger women who are at an increased risk for bone loss."
According to this year's figures from the National Institutes of Health, around 25% of women in the US aged between 15 and 44 use the contraceptive pill, which has been linked to the worsening of bone density in younger women.
Therefore, prunes could offer as a great dietary intervention into mitigating this risk, potentially allowing for the preservation of bone density into their later years.