Over 15 million people deal with stiff joints daily. Healthy joints allow us to remain active, which is essential for immunity, weight control, and overall mood. Everything you eat impacts your body, including your joints. Maintain healthy joints by consuming these 10 foods!
1. Turmeric
This Asian culinary staple can enhance any dish, all while promoting joint health. Turmeric contains a potent compound known as curcumin. Curcumin soothes joints to minimize discomfort.
While curcumin’s properties are promising, it is challenging for the body to absorb. Combining your turmeric with black pepper can boost bioavailability up to 2,000%!
2. Berries
Berries are like nature's treat. Not only do they taste great, but they're booming with antioxidants that promote healthy joints.
Variety is key to well-rounded wellness. Eat a variety of colors to receive a spectrum of antioxidants.
3. Oily Fish
The Western diet tends to be high in omega-6 fatty acids, found in beef, cheese, and processed foods. Too many omega-6s can clog arteries and cause a rise in blood pressure. These blockages can create tension on the joints.
Oily fish are rich in healthy fats, namely omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s help balance out an omega-6 abundance.
Try these omega-3-rich fish:
- Sardines
- Mackerel
- Herring
- Trout
- Salmon
Boost your joint support by dining on wild-caught salmon. It is a robust source of astaxanthin. This potent antioxidant supports a healthy immune system.
4. Red Peppers
Ever put a heat-based ointment on sore muscles? The main ingredient in these formulas is usually capsaicin. Capsaicin is abundant in hot red peppers.
This molecule promotes heat, which boosts blood flow. Fresh blood to the joints can provide comfort to the area.
5. Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are an excellent way to provide your body with protein and fiber first thing in the morning. Oats are naturally gluten-free, which can prevent immune responses that can aggravate your joints.
Additionally, oats are rich in amino acids, including lysine. Lysine is one of the three amino acids necessary to create cartilage. Cartilage is the sheath that protects your joints from grinding against each other when you're running or working with your hands.
6. Lentils
Lentils are a great source of the other two amino acids required to make collagen, which are proline and glycine. Plus, they're rich in folate, which is essential for healthy cell growth. Switch up between red, green, and yellow lentils to get a spectrum of antioxidants!
Lentils are a plant-based powerhouse for joint support. The consistency of lentils lends these beans to many meals. These omega-3-rich legumes are delicious substitutes for omega-6-heavy meats in chilis, burger patties, and "meat" loaves.
7. Bone Broth
One of the most efficient ways to improve your cartilage growth is by boosting your collagen intake. Make a bone broth with organic bones to promote collagen growth.
Simmering bones releases collagen and elastin into the stock. Drinking bone broth on an empty stomach will assure optimal absorption of these joint-supporting compounds!
8. Walnuts
Walnuts are a great mid-day snack for joint support. They are teeming with omega-3 fatty acids that promote comfort.
These nuts are high in fat. It's important to eat in moderation.
Chew slowly while consuming walnuts to prevent overconsumption. You'll notice how quickly you get full and how satiated you remain afterward. Just a handful will do the trick!
9. Grapes
These fruits are a great way to maintain healthy joints because grape skins are rich in resveratrol. This antioxidant promotes comfort and immune support throughout the body, including the joints.
A glass of wine could also be beneficial for getting your grape fix. Consume wine responsibly. Abusing alcohol can have an adverse impact on your joints!
10. Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are a complete protein, meaning they contain all amino acids necessary for human life. In particular, hemp seeds have an abundance of Gamma-linoleic acid (GLA). GLA supports a healthy immune system, which can promote joint comfort.
Hemp is a gift that keeps on giving. You might want to consider supporting your joints with hemp extract, also known as CBD oil. CBD oil contains phytocannabinoids that soothe receptors near your joints. Add a couple of drops of CBD tinctures to any salad with hemp seeds to get the ultimate joint support.
