7 Fruits That Help Fight Arthritis
Arthritis is a very common yet misunderstood disease. Inflammation of muscles and joints makes it difficult for the affected people to do their daily activities. There is no reported cure for this disease to date, but we know of fruits that can help you with Arthritis. A lot of fruits help reduce inflammation in the muscles. To make it simple, we have listed 7 fruits that can help you fight arthritis, relieve severe pain and inflammation.
Fruits, in general, have anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. According to research conducted, people who consumed food that is inflammatory in nature have higher chances of acquiring the disease. It is advisable for people with Arthritis to include fruits that have anti-inflammatory properties. Fruits such as tart cherries, berries, grapes, apple, pomegranates watermelon, avocado, and pineapple are known to be the most effective, since they have anti-inflammatory properties and also, other enzymes and compounds with health benefits.
Strawberries Deplete Folic Acid
Methotrexate, a drug used for Arthritis patients, helps in depleting Folic acids. Strawberries have properties that are similar to that of Methotrexate. They have low sugar and high Vitamin C than other citrus fruits. Research shows that women who consumed strawberries had lower C-reactive protein which is a measure to find out body-wide inflammation levels which can be a major cause of Arthritis and other heart diseases.
Apart from strawberries; raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries are rich in Quercetin and Rutin, two plant compounds that have properties that can keep us healthy. Berries not only satisfy one’s sweet cravings but also come with a wide range of health benefits.
Tart Cherries For Arthritis
Tart Cherries Improve Quality Of Sleep
They improve the quality of sleep which helps in the relaxation of muscles and joints. Tart Cherries have Flavonoid Anthocyanin which is proved to have anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it the main subject of research comparing the results to that of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Grapes Have Anti Inflammatory Properties
Fresh red and black grapes are a reserve of Resveratrol, which is an anti-inflammatory substance. It not only helps in Arthritis but also aids in improving the functioning of blood vessels while maintaining cardiovascular health. Grapes of all varieties are a rich source of Polyphenols which are useful in maintaining blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
Watermelon Lowers The Risk Of Acquiring Arthritis
Watermelon is one such fruit that can substantially lower the risk of acquiring Arthritis if consumed on a regular basis. It is rich in Carotenoid Beta-Cryptoxanthin which makes it a must-have for people who suffer from this disease. It also contains Lycopene which has cancer prevention properties and also improves heart health. 92% of watermelon contains water which makes it ideal for hydration thereby helping in weight management. One cup of watermelon every day gives you the required and recommended dosage of Vitamin A and C.
Fruits For Arthritis
Avocado Helps In Weight Loss
This fruit has a high content of anti-inflammatory monounsaturated fat, giving it a rich, creamy texture. It is also a good source of Carotenoid Lutein. Avocados have a high quantity of Vitamin E, which is rarely found in fruits. Despite the high-calorie count, Avocados help in weight loss and also control cravings. Another unique property of Avocado is that it helps in increasing good cholesterol and reduces bad cholesterol, in other words: it keeps your heart healthy.
Red Raspberries Lower System Wide Inflammation
Research shows that bioactive compounds present in Red Raspberries help lower system-wide inflammation. They also help prevent a number of chronic diseases which include Type-2 Diabetes, stroke, and heart conditions, when made a part of the daily diet. Similar to strawberries, red raspberries are also a rich source of Vitamin C and Anthocyanin. Research on animals has proved that extracts from these fruits help in reducing inflammation and Arthritis symptoms.
Pineapple Contains Bromelain Which Reduces Swelling
Pineapple is a rich source of Vitamin C and also an enzyme called Bromelain. This enzyme helps in reducing swelling and pain caused by Arthritis. Adding this tropical fruit to your regular diet, in any form, helps reduce swelling as well as relieves pain. It not only acts as a medicine but also gives a sweet, sour, and tangy taste to your food. Whether you add pineapple to your fruit salad, bake in savory dishes or blend into a smoothie, the benefits remain the same.
Other Foods That Help Fight Arthritis
Apart from these fruits, a variety of foods such as green leafy vegetables, ginger, garlic, fish, and walnuts among others, when included in your daily diet, can bring relief from the pain caused by Arthritis. Ginger, garlic, fish, and walnuts also have anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial for relieving muscle pain and swelling.
Dairy Products to The Rescue
As we all know, dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are a source of Calcium and Vitamin D. A primary requirement for people suffering from Arthritis is good bone strength, which is provided by Calcium and Vitamin D. Apart from dairy products, sunlight is also a rich and natural source of Vitamin D. It is recommended to expose your body to sunlight every morning for a minimum of 10-15 minutes.
Good Physical and Mental Health
While, having a good diet forms a major component in getting relief from the pain, good physical and mental health also helps in quick recovery. Stretching exercises, yoga, and meditation, along with a good night’s sleep give better results in the long term. It is also recommended that people suffering from Arthritis, undergo Naturopathy or Ayurvedic treatment for better and long-term results.
Recommendations and Suggestions
Before making any changes to your lifestyle, we recommend you always consult a doctor. While these fruits can help you with mild Arthritis, people with acute pain or symptoms should always consult a doctor and follow the suggested treatment, as it is prescribed depending on each individual’s medical condition.
