When you think of keeping your bones strong, most of us probably think milk, calcium, or vitamin D. But some recent research found that fruits and veggies may be the real keys to skeletal health. In a study to be published in The Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, researchers found that diets high in protein and cereal grains increase calcium excretion and can weaken your bones while a diet high in fruits and vegetables actually strengthens bones.
Lead author Bess Dawson-Hughes, M.D. of Tufts University said, “When fruits and vegetables are metabolized they add bicarbonate, an alkaline compound, to the body…Our study found that bicarbonate had a favorable effect on bone resorption and calcium excretion. This suggests that increasing the alkali content of the diet may attenuate bone loss in healthy older adults.” Hughes also mentioned that “When it comes to dietary concerns regarding bone health, calcium and vitamin D have received the most attention, but there is increasing evidence that the acid/base balance of the diet is also important.”
