EFFECTS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES ON BONES

Skeletal fragility leading to fractures, particularly in the spine and hip, are a major concern.
Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake from childhood and throughout one’s life span is critical for the maintenance of a healthy skeleton.
Genetics, hormonal milieu, and lifestyle factors, diet and weight bearing exercise are important in achieving the peak bone mass.
In addition to calcium and vitamin D, many dietary factors, such as protein, vitamin K and E, magnesium, phytoestrogens, and micro-nutrients, also contribute to the skeletal health; and insufficiencies of any of these may enhance bone loss and fractures.
In addition, the Western diet generates an acidic environment leading to an excess acid load on the kidneys, promoting calcium and protein losses and a negative impact on the skeleton.
These effects can be negated by the extra consumption of fruits and vegetables that are rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which generate alkalinity and neutralizes free radicals that help to conserve skeletal calcium.
Fruits and vegetables are an important component of our food that provides essential nutrients achieving metabolic balance and skeletal health.

II International Symposium on Human Health Effects of Fruits and Vegetables: FAVHEALTH 2007

Sunil J. Wimalawansa

BMD, bone turnover, calcium, nutrition, phytoestrogen, osteoporosis, fractures, vitamin

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2009.841.53