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Eating
to Keep Your Bones Strong
As we get older, bone
weakness is an increasing concern. Hip fractures and
other bone fractures in the vertebra of the spine
are causing increasing problems. This has traditionally
been associated with post-menopausal women, but we
now know that men also develop bone weakness.
We have always thought
of dairy products as the main food to keep bones strong
because of their source of calcium, but research indicates
that several other foods may be equally beneficial.
Studies on human bones indicate that the natural plant
estrogens in soy products, for example, can stop bone
loss. These natural, safe estrogens are known as isoflavones
and are found in numerous plants. If you don't like
soy products (miso, tofu, etc.), there are excellent
supplements derived from the plant kingdom that can
be taken to protect the bones.
Dried plums strengthen bones
There is a chemical
in flaxseed known as lignin, which can not only stop
the breakdown of bone, but also can replenish bone
structure. Flaxseed can be used in a variety of ways,
including sprinkling on various foods, vegetables,
etc. However, the real stars in protecting and restoring
bone mineral mass were dried plums. (We have changed
the name of prunes to dried plums because, for some
reason, it just sounds better)!
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