Arthritis affects nearly 19 million adults in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This condition presents with redness, pain, stiffness and swelling of one or more joints in the body that can cause a decrease in mobility. Physicians often prescribe medication to control inflammation associated with arthritis, but many people seek anti-inflammatory foods for arthritis relief.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower contains several anti-inflammatory nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and vitamin K. Vitamin K helps regulates the inflammatory response, and omega-3 fatty acids is a type of fat believed to have anti-inflammatory abilities. Cauliflower also contains selenium, a substance that helps strengthen the immune system, and indole-3-carbinol, a molecule thought to prevent inflammation. The George Mateljan Foundation for the World's Healthiest Foods names cauliflower as an anti-inflammatory food particularly helpful for sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis.
Olive Oil
Olive oil, a food used primarily as a cooking fat, contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help with arthritis relief. A compound in the oil, oleocanthal, mimics non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs by blocking enzymes that cause inflammation. An 2010 article at "Health News" indicates that 3 1/2 tbsp. of olive oil equates to 200mg of ibuprofen, but warns arthritis sufferers to replace butter and other fats with olive oil to avoid the extra calories from olive oil in the diet.
Cherries
Including cherries in the diet may help arthritis sufferers by providing anti-inflammatory benefits. A 2009 study published in the "Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports," Influence of tart cherry juice on recovery following marathon running reveals that drinking cherry juice reduces inflammation, which may result in pain relief for those with arthritis. The United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Center has also investigated cherries for their affect on inflammation, the results of which were published in the April 2006 "Journal of Nutrition." This study finds cherries suppress production of some inflammation-linked compounds in the body and helps with arthritis relief.
References
- The George Mateljan Foundation for the World's Healthiest Foods: Cauliflower
- Alternative Treatments: Add Cruciferous Vegetables Like Broccoli and Cauliflower to Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet
- Health News: Minimizing Arthritis Inflammation through Nutrition
- Science Daily: Marathon Runners Should Pick Cherries for Speedy Recovery
- Agricultural Research Center: Cherries Pack an Anti-Inflammatory Punch
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Arthritis
