Purines break down during the digestive process into uric acid. In some people, excess uric acid can form crystals that build up in the joints. This causes a type of arthritis known as gout, which involves sudden attacks of very painful and inflamed joints. Diets that limit purines to 150mg per day or less can be helpful. Purines are listed as milligrams per 100g of food.
Dairy and Eggs
Low-fat dairy products are low in purines. Plain yogurt has 7mg per 100g, while cottage cheese has 8 to 9g. Cheddar, Brie and Edam cheese have 6 to 7g of purines. Skim or low-fat milk, pudding and ice milk also are low in purines. Because meat tends to be high in this substance, consider eating cream soups rather than meat-based soups. Eggs are a good option, although Drugs.com recommends limiting them to three or four per week for a low-purine diet.
Vegetables
Several vegetables are relatively low in purines. Tomatoes, radishes, onions and cucumbers contain 7 to 13mg purines per 100g, while asparagus, beets, canned mushrooms, carrots, endive, kohlrabi, potatoes with the skin, summer squash and white cabbage contain 17 to 29mg.
Fruits
Many fruits and their juices are also low in purine content: 100g of apples, pears or sweet cherries have a purine content of between 7 and 14mg; 100g of avocado, blueberries, gooseberries, grapes, kiwi fruit, oranges, peaches, pineapple, plums, raspberries or strawberries have 18 to 27mg.
Refined Grains
Refined grain products are low in purines. White rice, for instance, contains just under 6mg per 100g, according to DietaryFiberFood.com. Other options include white pasta, low-fiber breads and cereals, baked products made with white flour, or products made with refined wheat or other grains. Barley and couscous also are low in purines.
Other Foods
Soft drinks, coffee and tea are low in purines. A low-purine diet can include nuts and nut butter, although AcuMedico.com recommends limiting peanuts and cashews. Small amounts of fats and oils are acceptable, as are sugar, syrup and other sweet foods.
