The California Prune Board (CPB) is raising awareness of the benefits of prunes during this year’s World Menopause Day (Monday 18th October). The annual event seeks to increase the public’s understanding of menopause, and the support available for those looking to improve health and wellbeing during and beyond the transition.
This year, the focus of the event is bone health. As prunes are high in vitamin K and a source of manganese, which contribute to the maintenance of normal bones, it’s an area the company has researched extensively.
Esther Ritson-Elliott, Director of International Marketing and Communications for the CPB, said: “With statistics showing women can lose up to 20% of their bone density 5-7 years after menopause, maintaining bone health and improving bone strength with a nutrient-rich diet and exercise is essential to a healthy lifestyle.”
The CPB has actively supported research into understanding how prune consumption can positively benefit musculoskeletal health, with studies reportedly the beneficial effects prunes may exert on bone mineral density. Research also suggests that eating 50g prunes per day may help reduce bone loss in postmenopausal women, the board says.
The Journal of Medicinal Food also recently published research suggesting that eating a daily portion of prunes may benefit the heart, including raising antioxidant capacity and reducing inflammation in healthy, postmenopausal women.
Esther said: “As well as bone-friendly vitamin K and manganese, California Prunes are also a good source of other nutrients like fibre, which aids digestive health, and potassium, which contributes to normal muscle function. As a delicious snack and versatile ingredient, prunes make an easy and tasty addition to the daily diet.”