Posted on 02/26/2023 10:27:06 AM PST by ConservativeMind
New research indicates that daily prune consumption may improve the gut fecal microbiome of postmenopausal women. The fecal microbiome—the ecosystem of microorganisms found in one's fecal matter—reflects an individual's overall gut health. Results from the study showed notable enrichment in bacteria from the family Lachnospiraceae. This group of bacteria has been associated with an ability to decrease inflammatory markers in the body and help maintain the integrity of the gut barrier.
The goal of this study was to characterize the effect of prune supplementation on the gut microbiome of postmenopausal women. Menopause is marked by a decline in ovarian hormones, which may negatively impact the gut microbiome. In turn, these changes in the gut microbiome potentially contribute to health risks, including increased body fat, decreased metabolism, and insulin resistance.
"Previous research has shown that postmenopausal women experience health benefits from consuming prunes," says Mary Jane De Souza, Ph.D., FACSM. "It is likely that the gut microbiome helps facilitate these benefits. With that, we wanted to look more closely at the specific effects that prune consumption has on populations of gut microorganisms in postmenopausal women."
The randomized controlled trial included 143 postmenopausal women between the ages of 55 and 75. Participants were assigned to one of three treatment groups: no prunes (n=52), 50g prunes per day (n=54), or 100g prunes day (n=37). Results collected at the 12-month mark indicated significant changes in the microbiomes for those in the prune treatment groups—most notably, the enrichment of the Lachnospiraceae family of bacteria.
A recently published scientific review from Pennsylvania State University suggests that the phenolic compounds and dietary fiber content in prunes may alter the gut microbiome in a manner that ultimately supports bone health.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Nothing like that “regular” feeling.
Too bad only women can have that joy, according to the article. ;>(
Of course, these days you post-menopausal men pretending to be post-menopausal women.
What about postmenopausal men? Or premenopausal women with testicles? What a useless study.
I was going to ask about prune juice, but it seems it’s the prune itself that has the fiber. I could force myself to do prunes, unlike yogurt which I could not do.
Good Lord, everyone has known this since the beginning of time. My shot glass of Prune Juice is part of the beginning of my day, every day for as long as I remember. I’m a healthy 89. (give the juice bottle a good shake to give it a bit of fizz.)
I wonder if there’s a benefit regarding GERD, since it impacts the gut.
But 50 prunes? 100? Each DAY? That’s a lotta prunes.
The article says "50g prunes per day", i.e. 50 grams of prunes which is 5 prunes per day.
https://www.verywellfit.com/prunes-nutrition-facts-calories-and-their-health-benefits-4114558
That’s a relief. LOL!
“the phenolic compounds and dietary fiber content in prunes may alter the gut microbiome in a manner that ultimately supports bone health.”
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Not all phenolics are necessarily beneficial, while peanuts can improve the microbiome, the resveratrol in peanut skins has been shown to cancel that benefit out.
It also minimizes the effects of Mad Cow disease.
I don’t know about that, but it would definitely improve toilet paper sales.
Thanks.
BKMK
Somebody (was it the taxpayer?) paid for “serious research” proving old women should eat prunes.
Who knew eating prunes had even more advantages.
We believed they only made you run faster.
Give it another 50 years; they might know what some us do already.
Do you have GERD?
Depends
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