NASA Discovers Common Fruit Can Prevent Osteoporosis

  • Could this tiny fruit keep your bones strong? NASA thinks so. Find out more…
  • Rats in space: how rodent bones and radiation led to this groundbreaking discovery
  • Only a handful a day will keep the osteoporosis away. 

Dear Living Well Daily,

Could a humble fruit be the key to warding off osteoporosis?

According to new research from NASA, maybe.

Recently, NASA and Texas A&M University discovered that eating a certain fruit may protect you from bone loss. And since bone density and osteoporosis are two major health concerns for aging folks, these small fruits just might be a game changer for those wanting to keep their bones healthy.

But what was even more incredible, this study showed that this fruit can help protect your bones, even when they are subjected to radiation! This means the fruit could even shield your bones from radiation during intense medical treatments or occupational exposures.

So what is this space-approved fruit?

Something your mom always told you to eat more of…

Prunes!

--Out-of-This-World Protection

Prunes are dried plums and are chock-full of powerful antioxidants and have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can protect your bones — even in space!

NASA scientists wanted to find a way to help protect against bone loss caused by radiation.

Astronauts, cancer patients and people in certain occupations can be exposed to significant amounts of radiation, greatly increasing their risk for osteoporosis.

After exposing rats to simulated space radiation, the researchers investigated several interventions with anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties that they thought could prevent the oxidative stress and bone damage that can lead to cancellous bone loss, or “spongy bone.”

These interventions included dihydrolipoic acid, ibuprofen, an antioxidant cocktail and dried plums.

Nancy Turner, one of the researchers and a Texas A&M AgriLife research scientist, explains further:

Dried plums contain biologically active components that may provide effective interventions for loss of structural integrity caused by radiotherapy or unavoidable exposure to space radiation incurred over long-duration spaceflight. From this study, we can conclude that inclusion of dried plums in the diet may prevent the skeletal effects of radiation exposures either in space or here on Earth.

While this study focused on the extraterrestrial powers of prunes, there are other studies showing that these tiny fruits are also good for the bones of Earth-bound and radiation-free folks as well.

In fact, a study from San Diego State University showed that eating just five to six prunes a day could prevent and reverse bone loss in animals and humans alike.

So if you’re out shopping this weekend, do your bones a favor and pick up some prunes!

Live well,

Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily


Sources

[1] Study shows dried plums provide protection from bone loss due to radiation

[2] Dried plum diet protects from bone loss caused by ionizing radiation

[3] For healthy bones: Got prunes? Onions? Salmon? Walnuts?

Natalie Moore

Written By Natalie Moore

Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.

View More Free Articles

Nightly "Brainwashing" Protects Your Memory

Think skipping sleep is no big deal? Think again. Groundbreaking research reveals that deep sleep does more than just help you feel refreshed. Another CRITICAL memory-preserving process is taking place behind the scenes. But here’s the concerning part… If you’re taking a sleeping pill, you might be blocking this crucial step. Here’s what you need...

Read This

The “Harmless” Additive DESTROYS Your Brain

Ever wonder why ice cream stays creamy in the freezer? Or why peanut butter doesn’t separate? The answer is emulsifiers—common food additives that manufacturers love. However, new research suggests these “harmless” ingredients could be causing serious brain damage. And they’re hiding in more foods than you can imagine… A disturbing new study published in Brain,...

Read This

One Move Adds 5 YEARS to Your Life

Believe it or not, the fountain of youth might be closer than you think… A groundbreaking study reveals that a simple activity you’ve been doing since you were a toddler could add YEARS to your life. And the best part? It won’t cost you a dime… New research published in the British Journal of Sports...

Read This

Walking Trick Reveals Your Fitness Level

We count on doctors to tell us how healthy we are. They take our blood pressure, listen to our hearts, and send us out for blood work to get the answer. But there’s something else you can do anytime you want to know your fitness level: walk a mile. That’s right, this simple activity you...

Read This

This Diet Trick Could Protect Your Brain for LIFE

You know the saying, “You are what you eat”? Well, when it comes to your brain, it’s more accurate than you think… New research suggests that a Mediterranean diet—an ancient way of eating that prioritizes whole, nutrient-dense foods—may protect your brain’s white matter. And that’s a big deal because white matter is critical in keeping...

Read This

Mailbag: The REAL Reason You Can’t Lose Weight

“Why can’t I lose 10 pounds? I tried many versions of diets. Low Carb, intermittent fasting, etc.” Struggling to Slim Down Dear Struggling, Losing weight, especially when we’re past our 20s, can be frustrating. A muscle mass issue is most likely the culprit behind those struggles to slim down. You see, as we age, we...

Read This

Can Eating at the RIGHT Time Protect You from Diabetes?

When it comes to managing your health, when you eat may be just as important as what you eat. Now, a growing body of research shows that time-restricted eating (TRE), or intermittent fasting, may improve several markers of health… Particularly for people with metabolic syndrome. Before we dive into the benefits of time-restricted eating, let’s...

Read This

Could This Gut Bug Help Curb Your Sweet Tooth?

Yesterday, I warned you about the devastating health impact of sugary drinks (if you missed that, CLICK HERE to catch up). Well, in honor of Groundhog’s Day, I will to talk about sugar AGAIN today. Because if you’ve ever found yourself unable to resist that second (or third) cookie, you’re not alone. Our bodies are...

Read This

Sugary Drinks Fuel a Global Health Crisis

I don’t need to tell you that sugary drinks are the opposite of a health food. However, new research reveals just how harmful they really are. In fact, millions are being affected in disturbing ways that might shock you… A disturbing new study published in Nature Medicine has uncovered the devastating toll of sugar-sweetened beverages....

Read This

The Cancer-Fighting Superstar in Your Kitchen

Believe it or not, a health hero could be hiding in plain sight in your pantry right now. According to exciting new research, ordinary red onions are far more than just flavor boosters for your favorite soups, salads, and Mediterranean-inspired meals. Scientists uncovered evidence that this humble vegetable is packing some serious cancer-fighting power… The...

Read This