Written By: Shraddha Rupavate | Updated : September 25, 2014 4:19 PM IST
Do you suffer from joint pain, inflammation and stiffness due to arthritis? All you need to do is substitute unhealthy food items like processed foods with these healthy, fresh fruits that fight inflammation naturally.
Citrus fruits: Citrus foods like oranges, lemons, sweet lime and grapes are loaded with vitamin C that is extremely important for collagen synthesis. Collagen sources can be beneficial for people with osteoarthritis because they play an important role in building and repairing ligaments and bones. Apart from that, vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent, which makes it a super-food for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Cherries: Cherries are an excellent way to fight arthritis. They are packed with compounds called flavonoids that are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. They help the body to eliminate free radicals from the system and strengthen the cartilage, joints and tendons. They are also beneficial for lowering uric acid levels in people suffering from gout.
Berries: Blueberries also loaded with flavonoids like anthocyanins and proanthocyanins. These compounds have a significant ability to build and strengthen collagen. They help reduce frequent flare ups in arthritis.
Bananas: They contain a high level of potassium in them which is associated with reduced pain intensity in arthritic patients. Potassium is also known to prevent retention of sodium in the body. This ultimately helps improve the balance between other minerals like calcium and phosphorous and helps reduce bone loss.
Pineapples: Likecitrus fruits, pineapple is also rich in vitamin C. Additionally, it offers an enzyme called bromelain that has a strong anti-inflammatory action. Bromelain also acts as a natural pain killer, making it a potential agent for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Image source: Getty images
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References:
Bromelain as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis: a Review of Clinical Studies
