Bone Up On Wellness With Prunes This Season

Bone Up on Wellness with Prunes this Season

Reduce holiday stress and take a moment to support yourself with small – but smart choices that keep your structure strong.

Did You Know?

California Prunes are naturally nutritious, surprisingly versatile, and undeniably delicious! A serving of 4-5 California Prunes packs a powerful punch of important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Together, these nutrients form a web of vital functions that support overall health.

Reduce, Replace, Reward

Who would not want to worry less about sugar consumption with all the delicious holiday fare?

California Prune purée adds moisture and richness to baked goods and other dishes and allows for sugar and other sweetener(s) to be reduced by half in most recipes. Reduce sugar, replace with California Prune purée and reward yourself with another delicious bite.

Here’s how to make your own California Prune purée at home:

• 1 1/3 cups (8 oz) California Prunes
• 6 Tablespoons hot water

In food processor, process water and prunes until puréed. Cover and refrigerate up to 1 month

California Prunes: A Best Friend to Bones

You know that California Prunes are the original good-gut food. But, did you know they are as good for tibias as they are for tummies? A decades-long, growing body of research indicates a remarkably positive connection between California Prunes and bone health.

Many factors that are common today, including obesity, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, and even certain medications like oral contraceptives, can adversely impact bone health. But, like many conditions, diet and exercise can help.

Research suggests the polyphenol content in California Prunes may play a role in the fruit’s bone health benefits. A web of bone-enhancing, non-polyphenolic compounds including manganese, vitamin K, boron, copper, sorbitol and potassium also come together to make California Prunes a best friend to bones.

Anyone’s bones can weaken over time. But, through healthy habits, you can significantly limit your risks. So next time you go for a pleasant walk through your neighborhood or are munching on some sweet California Prunes, be proud of yourself. You’re on the right track for keeping your bones strong.

“Healthy bones come from the right exercise and diet,” says Leslie Bonci, MPH, RDN, CSSD, LDN, and consultant for the California Prune Board. “The good news is, the ‘right’ exercise can be fun, and a bone-friendly diet is loaded with delicious things to eat!”

California Prunes are the not-so-secret ingredient that make everything from appetizers and salads to entrees and desserts irresistible – and good for you, too. Get inspired by these delicious bone-boosting tips by Leslie. Bone Appetit!

BREAKFAST

• Add chopped California Prunes to cereal, oatmeal or pancakes
• Make oatmeal with milk instead of water
• Swap oil for a California Prune puree

LUNCH

• Toss California Prunes into a salad
• Try Brussel sprouts with California Prunes and harissa
• Enjoy a smoked bean crostini with California Prunes and walnuts
• Add canned tomatoes to a vegetable soup

DINNER

• Add chopped California Prunes to Brussel sprouts, broccoli or other roasted veggies
• Chop California Prunes and nuts into rice pilaf
• Make a mole with California Prunes, tomatoes and cocoa
• Add more produce to the plate with roasted, sautéed, stir-fried or grilled veggies
• Purée cannellini beans and add to a soup or sauce

No bones about it, strong and healthy bones are literally the foundation of good health. California Prunes can help build bone health … one delicious bite at a time. For more delicious recipes that bring California Prunes to your table, get the California Prunes recipe e-book.

Get more recipes and inspiration in this Fun & Festive Digital Recipe Guide.