Recommended Fruits for Arthritis Patients
Fruits are natural, sweet, fibrous, and are rich in vitamins, minerals, and various nutrients. Some are even loaded with components that have anti-inflammatory properties that lower the inflammation which is associated with arthritis and other conditions like stroke and heart diseases. These foods are generally good for health and have many disease-fighting properties when compared to other edibles. Let us have a look at some of the fruits that are good for arthritis.
Tart Cherries
Flavonoid anthocyanin is the content that gives tart cherries its dark red color and the antioxidant properties. Some studies have found that the anti-inflammatory properties exhibited by cherries are very similar to the anti-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. It has been found that tart cherries reduce joint pain caused by osteoarthritis and also lower the risks of flares in individuals suffering from gout. Also, they have been found to increase the quality of sleep.
Strawberries
Low in sugar and rich in vitamin C, strawberries are better than oranges. Vitamin C has been found to reduce the risk of gout and various cholesterol problems. It has been found that individuals regularly consuming strawberries had lower C reactive proteins which are one of the constituents for body-wide inflammation due to arthritis. Strawberries also have anthocyanin, which gives these fruits anti-inflammatory properties. It has been found that strawberries are a good source of folic acid, which depletes when consuming arthritic medicines.
Red raspberries
Similar to strawberries, red raspberries are also a good source of vitamin C and anthocyanin. It has been found that raspberry extracts have been found to reduce inflammation caused due to arthritis. The bioactive compound in the fruit is responsible for reducing the inflammation and several other chronic conditions.
Avocado
The creamy texture of the fruits depicts the presence of highly concentrated monosaturated fat which has high anti-inflammatory properties. They are also a good source of vitamin E, which again is a micronutrient with anti-inflammatory properties. It has been found that regular intake of avocado reduced joint damage and increases the count of good cholesterol in the body, making it one of the top foods to manage arthritis pain.
Watermelon
CRP, which is an inflammation marker, gets suppressed by the consumption of watermelon. It is rich in beta carotenoid which reduces the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Watermelon also is rich in lycopene which is an antioxidant that protects the body from cancer. Moreover, watermelon is around 92% water and consuming it daily will help in weight management and hydration which is indirectly good for the joints.
Grapes
Light and dark grapes are good sources for antioxidants and polyphenols, making them some of the top foods to manage arthritis pain. Fresh red and black grapes are known to contain resveratrol, which is present in red wine and contributes to better cardiovascular health by improving the blood vessel functionality. Resveratrol is also an anti-inflammatory agent that has properties similar to those of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, improving the conditions of individuals suffering from osteoarthritis.
The fruits mentioned above are some of the top foods to manage arthritis pain. Daily consumption of these fruits will help ease stress and build better immunity.