List of Anti-Arthritis Foods for Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers (Cont'd)
Looking for a list of foods for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers? Here's an extensive list of anti-arthritis foods that are good for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Note that this is the second page of a three-page article. If you missed the first page, click here.
#7: Flaxseeds
Turbo-charge your anti-arthritis diet by adding flaxseeds to your breakfast cereal. Ground flaxseeds, as well as flaxseed oil, are one of the best plant-based sources of the anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. But the benefits of flaxseeds do not end there. These little mild nutty tasting seeds also pack zinc and selenium — a stellar mineral combo for fighting rheumatoid arthritis.
Furthermore, flaxseeds are a good source of copper, with an ounce of flaxseeds containing a fifth of the recommended daily intake for copper. The copper in flaxseeds helps the body manufacture connective tissue, ligaments and tendons which surround the joints and help them stay stable.
#9: Salmon
Salmon is an anti-arthritis food par excellence. Salmon helps reduce joint pain and stiffness as well as signs of inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis. To get the most out of salmon's health benefits, opt for wild salmon which contains higher levels of astaxanthin (a potent antioxidant) than farmed salmon. However, it is advisable to practice moderation also when you include wild salmon in your diet: too much salmon and other fish may predispose you to an excessive exposure to certain toxins — such as mercury and pesticides — contained in fish. The FDA recommends eating fish twice a week, but not more often.
#10: Blueberries
The health benefits of blueberries and bilberries are legendary, and therefore it is perhaps not surprising that these super berries also appear on this list of anti-arthritis foods for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. Blueberries contain flavonoids called anthocyanins, which are responsible for the tart taste and the intense color of blueberries. Anthocyanins are also known to possess strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, and scientists suspect that the anti-inflammatory powers of these flavonoids may be even stronger than aspirin.
#11: Fish Eggs
A little goes a long way when it comes to fish eggs. Fish eggs are one of the best natural sources of DHA and EPA which are types of omega-3 fatty acids. Ounce for ounce, fish eggs contain even more anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats than the fattiest fish. A study, which analyzed the roe of fifteen marine animals, found that the roe of lumpsucker, hake, and salmon were the richest in terms of omega-3 fatty acids.
#12: Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are one of the best foods you can add to your diet if you are concerned about rheumatoid arthritis. These mild nutty tasting seeds are chock-full of anti-arthritis nutrients, such as vitamin E and selenium. They are also an excellent source of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), with one cup providing nearly a third the recommended daily intake. Low levels of vitamin B6 have been associated an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, sunflower seeds are one of the best dietary sources of the anti-arthritis mineral copper, with a mere ounce of sunflower seeds containing a third of the recommended daily intake for copper. When incorporating sunflower seeds into your diet, moderation should be exercised because these seeds, like most other seeds, are relatively high in calories and fat.
#13: Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are one of the oldest vegetables known to man. They are also one of the most nutritious vegetables and an excellent addition to your diet if you have rheumatoid arthritis. They are one of the best dietary sources of beta-carotene (especially the pink, orange, and yellow varieties), but they also deliver plenty of vitamin C as well as copper. In addition, they contain unique root proteins which, according to preliminary studies, may have significant antioxidant properties. As a bonus, sweet potatoes are typically low in pesticides.
#14: Pumpkin Seeds
If you look at the Nutrition Facts label on a bag of pumpkin seeds, you'll learn that they are very high in calories. But that should not be a reason to avoid these lovely, dark green seeds! Although it is true that pumpkin seeds are rich in calories and can thus cause weight gain if eaten in large quantities, eating them in moderation can offer great health benefits for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. The potential of pumpkin seeds in the treatment and prevention of rheumatoid arthritis is linked to their strong anti-inflammatory properties. Dried pumpkin seeds can be eaten raw as a snack or added to salads or other sweet and savory dishes.
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This science-based all-in-one guide by registered dietitian Kim Arrey and practising rheumatologist Dr. Michael Starr explains how specific medications, nutritional supplements, foods, and lifestyle factors affect the pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Packed with invaluable tips and tasty anti-inflammatory recipes and sample menus, this meticulously-researched guide and cookbook is a must-have for all RA-sufferers. To learn more, or to order a copy from your local Amazon store,
click here.
