Managing Painful Arthritis - Uncover Arthritis Friendly Foods

Do you know that the most delicious part of any anti-inflammatory, arthritis-friendly diet is also the easiest to consume? You guessed right, I'm referring to fruits and other whole foods. You can eat fruit at any time of the day, as part of a meal, as dessert, and alone as a healthful snack. This practice is highly encouraged by Ayurveda, the world's first holistic system worldwide which literally means the science of life and longevity. It has been practiced for centuries and largely focuses on herbs, lifestyle and diet.

Now you can successfully combat painful arthritis with these anti-inflammatory foods:

1. Olive oil - should be high on your list of arthritis-friendly foods. The beneficial oil is high in monoun-saturated omega-9 fatty acids (mainly oleic acid) and antioxidants. Studies have shown that olive oil offers protection against heart disease. It appears to decrease inflammation, and it is believed to have a beneficial effect on ulcers and gastritis.

The Arthritis Foundation reports that people who consumed the most olive oil - about 3 tablespoons a day - were less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Be sure to buy extra virgin olive oil as this is the closest to natural olive oil because it is not heated in processing. As a result, it contains higher levels of antioxidants, particularly phenols and vitamin E, which protect our DNA and genes from free-radical damage.

2. Oranges - are not only ripe with vitamin C but also contain the falvanone herperidin, which has lowered cholesterol and has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Most of this phytonutrient is in the peel and inner white pith, so when you peel the orange, leave plenty of its soft white skin on.

3. Pineapple - is rich in bromelain, a group of sulfur-containing, protein-digesting enzymes that reduces inflammation. In clinical trials, bromelain has reduced swelling in people suffering from acute arthritis, sore throat, painful arthritis and gout. To maximize bromelain's anti-inflammatory effects, eat pineapple by itself between meals so that its enzymes are not diverted to digesting food.

4. Whole grain - is the only form in which you should consume wheat, rice, barley, millet and other grains. Most commercially produced breads, pastas, noodles and baked goods in the United States are made with bleached white flour that has been processed to what is called "60 percent extraction."

5. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil - are rich in alpha-linolenic acid, a precursor to the form of omega-3 called EPA, which is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory substances available. This substance is also found in fatty cold-water fish.