Promising results in randomised controlled trials exploring the relationship between prune consumption
Daily prune consumption could help improve heart health in older people according to two new studies. The research, presented at the American Society of Nutrition (ASN) annual meeting, showed promising effects on several biomarkers related to cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women and men 55 years and older.
In men, long-term prune consumption improved HDL cholesterol and the total cholesterol to HDL ratio, while decreasing oxidative stress and the inflammatory biomarker C-reactive protein (CRP).
In older women, long-term prune consumption had no negative effect on various metabolic measures related to heart disease risk including total cholesterol, total triglycerides, fasting glucose, and insulin levels.
The results of both studies were presented at the ASN annual flagship meeting in Boston.
“Currently, there are a limited number of randomised controlled trials conducted in ageing men and women that explore the relationship between prune consumption and cardiovascular-related blood biomarkers,” said Mary Jane De Souza, distinguished professor, Pennsylvania State University, and principal investigator of the postmenopausal women study.
“We want to advance the research on this topic area to better understand how prune consumption relates to cardiometabolic health outcomes, especially in the ageing population that often experiences an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease.”
Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death in the US and risk factors include high cholesterol levels, diabetes, obesity, and ageing. One of the primary dietary recommendations to lower cardiovascular disease risk is to consume a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
As a whole fruit with no added sugars, prune consumption may support healthy dietary patterns and promote better outcomes related to cardiovascular health.
“It is exciting to see research on prune consumption and cardiovascular health expand,” said Andrea N. Giancoli, nutrition advisor, California Prune Board. “While all fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients, prunes make for an easy, convenient and versatile snack or recipe ingredient that is accessible year-round and can help support consumers’ cardiovascular health goals.”
These two studies represent the latest additions of research on prune consumption and human health. Previous research has shown that daily prune consumption can help support gut health, bone health, and weight management.
