The risk of osteoporosis increases as we age, especially for women – so, how can we combat this? While there are medications on the market designed to improve bone health, some studies suggest that following the Mediterranean diet could help reduce inflammation and aid in preserving bone strength.
The Mediterranean diet has already been linked to improved heart health and is associated with a lower risk of developing heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Rich in unprocessed foods like whole fruits and vegetables, this diet suggests limiting red meat and relying on herbs and spices rather than salt for flavor. Practitioners of the diet also assert that enjoying your meals with family and friends is important, putting emphasis on eating as a social activity rather than just a necessity. (You can easily reduce the risk of heart disease with this one thing.)
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In a recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, researchers found that women who followed an anti-inflammatory diet lost less bone density over the course of the study than their counterparts who consumed a diet full of foods that promote inflammation. Maintaining bone density over time may reduce the risk of osteoporosis and, in turn, prevent fractures.
Bone density is increasingly important as a woman ages, as after menopause it can drop drastically and increase the risk of fracture. Adopting a Mediterranean diet may be just what the doctor ordered if you find your bones are weak, and with ties to so many other health benefits like a reduced risk of heart disease, enjoying more whole foods and lean proteins may be an easy way to improve your health.
Related: 7 Workouts for stronger, healthier bones
