The Forgotten Berry Your Bones Are Craving
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 16, 2024
Strawberries and blueberries rank first and second as America’s favorite berries.
And, of course, cranberries shoot to the top of the list around this time of year.
But there’s another underrated berry we should be giving a second look. Especially if you’re a senior concerned about your bone health.
Because new research reveals this unassuming berry could be your bone’s best friend…
A new study finds the secret to keeping your bones strong as you age could be the underappreciated black currant.
This delicious tart berry is far more popular in its native home of Northern Europe than here in the USA.
But that might be about to change because researchers recently discovered that black currants pack a powerful punch when it comes to protecting our bone health.
You see, the berries are brimming with compounds called anthocyanins. They give the berries their deep purple color. However, it turns out these powerful nutrients may ALSO help us maintain our bone density.
But here’s where it gets even MORE exciting…
It turns out black currants don’t just work in one way to protect your bones. They fight bone loss on multiple fronts. Black currants…
- Boost your body’s ability to absorb calcium from your gut (and we all know calcium is crucial for strong bones)
- SLASH inflammation that can eat away at bone density.
- Balance out gut bacteria, which plays a huge hidden role in keeping bones strong.
This is particularly exciting news for postmenopausal women who often face an uphill battle when it comes to maintaining strong bones.
When estrogen levels drop, bone loss typically accelerates… but black currant supplements might help halt this process.
In fact, when researchers followed a group of women for 12 months, those taking black currant supplements maintained significantly better bone density than those who didn’t.
The secret is how black currants influence something called the “gut-bone axis,” which is the connection between your digestive system and your skeleton.
By improving gut health, black currants help your body make better use of bone-building nutrients.
Plus, these powerful berries help reduce inflammation throughout your body. That’s crucial because chronic inflammation is like a slow-burning fire that can gradually weaken your bones.
The best part? Unlike conventional bone medications that can come with unwanted side effects, black currant supplements offer a natural approach to protecting your bones.
Of course, you should still support your skeleton with weight-bearing exercise and maintain adequate vitamin D levels (especially in winter!).
But adding a black currant supplement to your regular routine could be the perfect way to help ensure your bones stay solid your entire life.
And if you live in the Pacific Northwest or Northeastern United States, look for these tasty treats at your local farmer’s market or grocery store in season (June to August).
P.S. The “Beyond Calcium” solution for stronger bones.
Source:
Nosal BM et al. Blackcurrants shape gut microbiota profile and reduce risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis via the gut-bone axis: Evidence from a pilot randomized controlled trial. J Nutr Biochem. 2024;133:109701.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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