Foods That Will Keep Your Joints Healthy

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It is imperative to put the right fuel in the tank, that is to say, eat the correct diet (a balanced one, full of fruit and vegetables) so that your body is working properly. Your joints (arms, legs etc.) are key cogs in the machine and your diet should be tailored accordingly to facilitate the health of these.

Salmon

Inflamed joints have been the bug bear of many sufferers and have caused constant pain to a lot of people. However, salmon has emerged as a food which could offset this pain. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are well renowned for being a very useful anti-inflammatory. They are also a useful source of Vitamin D, which helps build healthy joints and bones. For a slightly more expensive option, wild salmon contains more omega 3 than its conventional counterpart.

Almonds

Inflammation is not often that hard to cope with in the short term, although it can be a painful prospect. However, over time, if not cured properly it can become more potent and cause damage to cells. Almonds can alleviate this damage fairly well. A good source of Vitamin E, they work by protecting the outer membrane of cells against any harmful chemicals. They also have useful antioxidants which can benefit the body in the long term.

Papaya

Arthritis is quite a common illness in people and can cause some real problems in the bodies of people, particularly those who do not have a healthy diet. Fruits which have Vitamin C are helpful in fighting against arthritis so citrus fruits like Oranges, Lemons and Limes are likely to be in demand. However, the fruit which contains the most of the vitamin is the exotic Papaya. It tastes absolutely fantastic and is very good for the body, containing all manner of antioxidants to help fight off any irritants.

Apples

Collagen is what holds the cartilage and indeed the joints together. It is the chemical which protects the joints from any strain. However, over time and with age, this weakens. Furthermore, with vigorous activity and other stresses, it can come under further stress. So, foods need to be consumed which strengthen this vital area of the body. The humble apple is one such food. It is rich in antioxidants that build collagen and it can really help to protect against arthritis and guard against muscle pain. Unsurprisingly, raw apples are better than processed fruit in this department.

Black Beans

As well as being pretty handy in a stir fry, black beans are also adept at forming cartilage or indeed any other bodily tissue. Black beans contain a lot of protein- which is well known for building muscle and keeping things taut and in check. They contain a lot of amino acids, which ‘bind’ together tendons and joints. These benefits are not constrained to just black beans, beans of any color contain a lot of amino acids, but black beans are the richest in anti-oxidants.

Kale

Calcium is a great building block and really useful for holding bones together and keeping them sturdy and ready for the vigor’s of the day. In addition to the stereotypical sources of milk and pretty much any dairy product, kale, the curly-leafed variety of cabbage, is very rich in calcium. It also contains a lot of muscle-building compounds, is very low in calories and in fat and really is just good for the body all-round. Furthermore, it is very easy to digest and is efficiently dealt with by the body.

Broccoli

Similar to its cousin Kale, broccoli has numerous benefits for the body. It contains a multitude of vitamins like A, B and D and also has a lot of calcium in. You can even add a little protein to the mix as well. However, something which really marks it out is that it contains sulforaphane, a vital protector against radicals which can harm joints.

Conclusion

In essence, there are many foods which can help keep your joints healthy, all of which can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Churchill Otieno
Churchill Otieno, holds a degree in Communications and Public Relations. He is an accomplished independent researcher, experienced, professional writer based in Chicago, IL past Mombasa, Kenya. He is an author and publisher for Consumer Health Digest - Joint Pain Center category since 2013. He has an additional credentials in health and lifestyle fitness. He has been writing articles on health for more than two years with interest on bone, joint health, arthritis, osteoarthritis etc. He is also a contributor to healthcentral.com and many other popular websites. His mission is to educate, empower and advocate people whose lives have changed due to arthritis joint pain. He also strive to support the families and caregivers as they learn how to advocate and care for the afflicted person.