EAT RIGHT FOR HEALTHY BONES   Strong, healthy bones are the foundation for lifelong vitality and independence. The bone mass you attain early in life—before age 30 or so—may be the most important determinant of bone health as you get older. Eat well now to help prevent osteoporosis—a bone-thinning condition that often results in fractures and even loss of stature with age.

Osteoporosis   Osteoporosis, most commonly referred to as “thinning of the bones”, is a  Common Diseases in Old Age in which bone mineral density is reduced. Healthy diets, along with weight bearing exercise, are key factors in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. The focus of the osteoporosis diet is on optimising bone health at every stage in life and is based on a normal balanced diet with an emphasis on calcium rich foods and Vitamin D. Although osteoporosis occurs more commonly in women after menopause, osteoporosis is hardly a disease the only effects the elderly. It can occur in young women, especially those who continually follow low-calorie diets, and in men. In women, this process is greatly influenced by the female hormone oestrogen. In general, the higher the oestrogen level the stronger our bones. So when we reach the menopause and our oestrogen level falls, our bones rapidly lose strength.This is why Osteoporosis chiefly affects post-menopausal women.

Osteoporosis

Fruits including prunes and bone health   It is important - ideally, to take in 1500 mg of calcium per day. Dried fruits like apricots, dates, and prunes are boron-rich nutritional powerhouses – eat them often to fight osteoporosis. Almonds and other nuts like peanuts and walnuts are good calcium-rich foods to eat.  Research is examining the positive link between eating fruits and vegetables and bone health. To help neutralize acids created by digestion and metabolism, cells draw minerals out of bone, which can lower bone density. Researchers think that potassium and magnesium, found in some fruits and vegetables, neutralize this acid and deter or slow bone loss. In addition, fruits and vegetables provide nutrients that act as enzymes or co-factors in building bone, and their non-nutrient compounds, such as phytochemicals, might also play a role. Research conducted at Oklahoma State University discovered that prunes prevented bone loss in an animal model of postmenopausal osteoporosis and also in male subjects. In addition, prunes helped restore bone mass after the loss had already occurred in the animals. Based on these promising findings, the researchers conducted a small clinical trial with postmenopausal women not on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Women who ate about 12 prunes daily experienced an increase in biomarkers that measure the rate of bone formation.  California Prunes offer a convenient option for men and women looking to add more fruit to their diets. Prunes are a rich source of several micronutrients involved in bone metabolism, including potassium, vitamin K, and boron. Prunes can easily be incorporated daily into meals or snacks at any time of the day.  Prunes are not only great tasting and versatile, but are also great for protecting bone health without any adverse effects.  Courtesy - The SCS Group                  California Prune Board (www.prune.org)

[Information Technology ] [ Environment ] [ Agriculture ] [Renewable Energy ] [Clean Water ] [ Education ] [ Child Care ] [Health Care ] [ Wild Life] [Railways ] [ Airways] [ Weather ] [ Contact Us ] [Advertise ] [ About Us ] [ Disclaimer ]