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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,...

In a research review, the researchers found that prunes can help prevent or delay bone loss in postmenopausal women, possibly due to their ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which contribute to bone loss. "In postmenopausal women, lower levels of estrogen can trigger a rise of oxidative stress and inflammation, increasing the risk of weakening bones that may lead to fractures," said Connie Rogers, associate professor. "Fruits and vegetables that are rich in bioactive compounds such as phenolic acid, flavonoids and carotenoids can potentially help protect against osteoporosis," said Mary Jane De Souza, professor, "with prunes in...

It comes after the organisation was mocked last month a ruling that led to a ban on claims that drinking water can prevent dehydration. Despite a long held belief that prunes, traditionally served with custard, are good for improving bowel function, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has ruled this is not the case. Its experts said there was "insufficient" evidence of a link between the dried plums and normal bowel function after looking at three studies of prune consumption. Sir Graham Watson MEP has now challenged an EU Commissioner to a prune-eating contest after his food safety committee ruled...

When it comes to improving bone health in postmenopausal women — and people of all ages, actually — a Florida State University researcher has found a simple, proactive solution to help prevent fractures and osteoporosis: eating dried plums. "Over my career, I have tested numerous fruits, including figs, dates, strawberries and raisins, and none of them come anywhere close to having the effect on bone density that dried plums, or prunes, have," said Bahram H. Arjmandi, Florida State's Margaret A. Sitton Professor and chairman of the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences (http://www.chs.fsu.edu/nfes/) in the College of Human Sciences....

US peace activist Cindy Sheehan (R) leans on US actress and peace activist Susan Sarandon at a peace vigil in Lafayette Park, across the street from the White House, May 2006 in Washington, DC. Star Hollywood actor-activists including Sean Penn and Sarandon and anti-war campaigners led by Sheehan plan to launch a hunger strike, demanding the immediate return of US troops from Iraq.(AFP/File/Tim Sloan)