Better Heart and Bones with This Sweet Snack
Looking to satisfy your candy cravings with something tasty and good for you?
Try a handful of nature's guilt-free treats: dried plums. Research shows that they promote both heart and bone health.
Buff Bones
A laboratory study of the polyphenols in prunes showed that they boosted bone formation, density, and strength. How? By affecting the way certain bone-regulating gene cells are expressed. Take this quick and free online bone assessment to see if your bones are at risk.
A Plum Choice for Your Heart
Results from animal studies suggest that dried plums can help keep arteries clear. Researchers suspect that prune flavonoids help reduce the inflammation that plays a big role in artery disease. Find out about a vitamin that can help soothe atherosclerosis-inducing irritation.
Big Benefits, Little Package
If that isn't enough motivation to pick up a pack of prunes, consider this: Just 10 prunes delivers 20 percent of your daily potassium and copper requirements, 14 percent of your iron requirements, and 10 percent of your manganese and zinc requirements. Prunes also provide a whopping dose of the essential vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex, including folate. And we all know that prunes are a super source of fiber. Watch this how-to video for tips on bulking up your fiber intake.
Recipe Corner
Grab prunes while theyre in season, and preserve them with this delicious recipe from the RealAge Recipe Box: Drunken Prunes.




