The California Prune Board is urging parents to consider making bone health a family affair by highlighting bone-friendly recipes on its website that parents and children can prepare and enjoy together.
Kevin Verbruggen, European marketing director for the California Prune Board, said: “As the majority of peak bone mass is acquired by the age of 18 in girls and age 20 in boys, developing nutritional, bone-friendly eating habits and a healthy lifestyle in childhood can help prevent osteoporosis and fractures in later life.
“We want to encourage families to understand the benefits of eating a bone-healthy, nutrient-rich diet. Eating well and taking regular exercise can help maintain muscle mass and build strong bones, providing the foundation for lifelong vitality.”
California prunes are renowned for their nutrients and are one of the few dried fruits to contain vitamin K, which has been shown to benefit bone health, according to the board. Prunes are also a source of manganese, which contributes to the maintenance of healthy bones, and are high in potassium which contributes to normal muscle function.
The California Prune Board has actively supported research into the health benefits of prunes for decades, with studies showing the beneficial effects prunes may exert on bone mineral density (BMD).
Verbruggen added: “Prunes are an exceptionally versatile ingredient, adding succulence and sweetness to a range of dishes. As a convenient, shelf-stable snack, they’re also an easy and tasty way to positively impact bone health. For our bone-friendly recipes, and to find out more about the benefits of California Prunes, visit our website.”
