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Fruit: Good for the Bones

Osteoporosis is a significant public health problem, which grows in importance as the population ages. Augmenting bone mass during adolescence has been suggested as a strategy to prevent osteoporosis, because this stage of life may be the last chance to substantially increase bone mass before the skeleton consolidates. Bone mineral density (BMD) is affected by a variety of factors, including genetics, nutritional intake, and endocri! nologic and mechanical conditions. The nutritional factors are considered to be especially important because they have the potential to be modified.

Researchers in Northern Ireland recently conducted a study to determine whether usual fruit and vegetable intakes reported by adolescents have any influence on BMD. The study showed that adolescent girls who consumed high amounts of fruit had significantly higher BMD compared to girls with moderate or low fruit consumption.

Here is another of the many good reasons to consume plenty of fruits and vegetables.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2004;80(4):1019-1023