With so many wonderful fruits currently in season during these warm summer months, it’s easy to get your fill. Many, specifically berries, have been shown in many studies to reduce inflammation. Great news if you suffer from arthritis and love fruit!
From Gout to Arthritis…
The Arthritis Foundation’s top pick is cherries. Cherries are well-known to decrease gout attacks as they contain the highest levels of anthocyanin’s which fight inflammation.
Scientists have tested cherries and the benefits they are finding are intriguing. The Boston University Medical Center found that when patients suffering from gout ate ten cherries or more per day, the cherries seemed to create a defense within the body to lessen future gout attacks by 50%!
Researchers say if cherries can provide these types of results long-term, than we may be on our way to a natural method to ward off inflammation as opposed to prescription medication.
Cherries are superior for reducing arthritis symptoms. Researchers at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center studied hundreds of osteoarthritis patients. Over six weeks, the patients drank two 8-ounce bottles of tart cherry juice and the results were amazing! The patients’ pain lessened significantly while their mobility increased!
Whether eating cherries or drinking its juice, the benefits are strong. They’re packed with anti-inflammatory properties, anti-oxidants, and delicious goodness.
Lower Pain While Boosting Brain Power!
Strawberries are another super-fruit for arthritis. In addition to healthy fiber, strawberries are packed with anthocyanin to fight inflammation, antioxidants to fight free radicals, and vitamin C to keep joints healthy. They are the perfect berries to snack on anytime!
Other powerful berries with the same healthy properties as strawberries are:
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Cranberries
- Boysenberries
By eating a mere one-half to one cup of berries every day even boosts cognitive functions and motor skills!
Vitamins and Minerals Decrease Inflammation?
By getting plenty of the right vitamins can prevent arthritic inflammation and keep joints healthy. Vitamin C has been shown in studies to help build collagen and connective tissues. Some produce that boost your vitamin C intake easily, is with the citrus variety like oranges, grapefruits, and limes.
Watermelon, again has anti-inflammatory properties and packed with vitamin A, potassium, and powerful magnesium to keep your body healthy from the inside out.
Apricots are well-known but not as regularly eaten as many berries are. But did you know that apricots contain properties that studies have found may prevent arthritis? That’s right! They also contain anti-inflammatory components and have an abundance of magnesium which is a large factor in strengthening bones and easing pain.
So there is a variety for everyone throughout the summer. Quench your sweet tooth while fighting inflammation naturally! Making berries and other fruit part of your daily diet will benefit you for life.
10 Fast & Easy Snacks
This week, we’ll provide a few fun snack ideas that you can put together in seconds! Feel free to share how you incorporate fruit into your healthy lifestyle below.
- Place a variety of berries and other fruit pieces onto a skewer and drizzle with melted dark chocolate. Cool in freezer and enjoy!
- Add a handful of berries to a serving of Greek yogurt; top with a little granola if you prefer a crunchier snack.
- Enjoy berries and other fruit on their own!
- Blend Greek yogurt, milk or juice, and lots of berries into a smoothie.
- Make a tasty fruit salad for a light meal during the warm summer.
- Hull and stuff strawberries with your choice of yogurt, goat or feta cheese.
- Dip berries into a low-fat whipped topping.
- Top whole-grain pancakes or waffles with berries.
- Pair your fruit morsels with a little cheese of your choice.
- And if you’d like to add a small glass of heart-healthy red wine with your berry snack, go ahead! Just remember, a little can be fine but excess alcohol may re-ignite inflammation.