Osteoporosis and Prunes

I can't believe that would be possible. They are certainly good for you but I wouldn't rely on them for as cure.

I found a big difference in the quality of prunes at Costco (Canada) compared to other grocery stores where I first bought them. The Costco prunes were far more moist and sweet-- delicious!

I have been consuming prunes for years because they are a super powered food. There are beneficial for many reasons. I have tried many different varieties, and Sunsweet Amaz!n (sic) Prunes which are available consistently in a “value pack” (i.e. 24 oz.) at my local Walmart are the winners. They are California prunes and always juicy and soft. If you look at the calcium on the nutritional data label, it doesn’t look like there is an impressive amount in there. But I am sticking with them. Much healthier than processed food if you need something sweet. The package says to refrigerate after opening. I never do that, and I have never had any mold issues. Outside the fridge they do not dehydrate.

I recently found the following on Dr. Susan Brown’s website:

“Some of the compounds in prunes have been known to build bone and when you stew them you may want to keep the water. You actually lose nutrient value if you throw the water out and don’t worry, it is tasty enough to drink.”

I don’t know about the research behind this statement if any, but Dr. Brown loves cooked prunes.

I have been buying lovely organic pitted prunes in bulk from Taylor Brothers Farms in California. I started with a 5# package and have gone to 10#. You can also order larger bulk amounts. It’s $5.00 flat rate shipping and they cost around $9.75 a pound for 10#.

@guinivere I agree. I think prunes have many benefits but I am skeptical that they are the magic food that can preserve bone over other fruits and veggies. When I was first diagnosed with osteo I added prunes, about 6-8 a day, along with all the other nutrition and exercise protocols. It did not help me preserve bone, in fact I lost a lot of bone during that time frame. Also keep in mind that the California Prune Board provided the funding, prunes and participants for the studies and two of its authors are members of the Nutritional Advisory Panel for the California Prune Board. I think a healthy dose of skepticism is warranted here. Certainly a good food to include in your diet along with all of the other nutritious foods that can support our health and bones but likely not a magic bullet.

If you're trying to add calcium with dried fruit figs are highly recommended. Of course they are more expensive, not as sweet and sometimes come dusted with sulfur dioxide which for me can trigger a migraine. The good news is that depending where you live some gardeners grow figs and usually have a windfall. I'm in eastern PA and my neighbor is providing me now with fresh figs which are delicious.You may find them at a farmers market.

I have just gotten over three burst compression fractures at 78. I’ve been eating 6 prunes a day for o ER four months. It’s not the calcium in them but the Vitamin K and D that are crucial plus boron. They don’t necessarily increase bone density from my extensive study but they greatly help slow down bone loss. Good luck to you.

Hi. How would you fix Stewed prunes please? Thx much. @lakis

Put prunes in a saucepan and add enough water to cover them. Bring to boiling with a lid on, then reduce the heat and let simmer for about 7 minutes, longer if the prunes are pretty dry/hard. If you cool them & refrigerate, the prune water will thicken to more of a light syrup. Serve prunes in a small bowl with some of the liquid/syrup. I think they are delicious like this. They used to serve them at Hometown Buffet all the time, before they went out of business. I always made sure I got some of them!

Prunes are good for bones, as well as, raisins, dried apricots, and other foods that contain boron. You won't get your answers from the FDA. Organic is better to consume because of chemicals sprayed on other apricots. I have nothing nice to say about the FDA and their recommendations nor mainstream physicians. They are big pharma and are paid for handing out prescriptions.