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Dried plums have long been used not only as delicious treats, but also as a means of combating constipation. But these useful properties of prunes are not limited to – scientists have discovered it has the ability to reduce the harmful effects of radiation on bone.

Ionizing radiation (including that used for therapeutic purposes for cancer therapy) has on the body harmful effects comprehensive. Under its influence, can significantly disrupt the process of blood disorders, in addition, the radiation contributes to the increased fragility of bones, thus increasing the risk of fractures.

But scientists from Texas A&M (Texas A&M University) found that the antioxidants in prune contains much more than raw plums, have the ability to reduce the harmful effects of ionizing radiation on the bone tissue.

During experiments with mice, scientists from A&M University compared the ability of several powerful antioxidants affect the expression of genes Nfe2l2, Rankl, Mcp1, Opg and TNF-α. The increased expression of these genes leads to increased bone fragility due to accelerated loss of calcium.

We compared well known antioxidants: ascorbic acid, N-acetylcysteine, L-Selenomethionine, dihydrolipoic acid, vitamin E, ibuprofen, and good old-fashioned prunes.

It turned out that dried plum decreased the expression of named genes in the largest extent.

It was also found that prunes significantly ahead of their «competitors» in reducing the harmful effects of radiation on bone.

This discovery is important not only for cancer patients assigned to radiotherapy, but also for radiologists, staff of the AEC and the conquerors of deep space.

In 2015, the same group of researchers found that the regular inclusion of prunes in the diet of laboratory rats were provided a reduced risk of developing cancer in animals intestines.