
8 Anti-inflammatory Foods for Bone and Joint Health
Bone loss can be caused by factors like aging, inflammation, poor nutrition, vitamin deficiencies, immobility, and diseases. Inflammatory diseases can decrease new bone formation and increase resorption. Resorption is the process where old bone is broken down and delivered into the bloodstream. The process is continuous and needs to be supported by diets that prevent inflammation.
Doctors always recommend a diet that can prevent inflammation that can increase the health and life of joints, bones, connective tissue that prevent any bone or joint disease. Here are some foods with an abundance of anti-inflammatory properties.
1. Omega-3-rich Foods
Omega-3 fatty acids are right on top when it comes to an anti-inflammatory diet. Apart from reducing inflammation, they also help improve heart function, diabetes and improve immunity towards frequent infections. Some omega-3 rich foods are tuna, sardines, mackerel, and halibut. Other plant-based omega-3 rich foods are seaweed, chia seeds, pine nuts, hemp, walnuts, kidney beans and edamame.
2. Cruciferous and Leafy Vegetables.
Another good source of anti-inflammatory food in our diet is cruciferous vegetables. They also block an enzyme that causes inflammation in joints leading to joint pain. Include one or more vegetables in your daily diet to supply regular doses of anti-inflammatory food. Mustard greens, arugula, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts are some vegetables to include.
3. Anti-inflammatory Fruits
Along with vegetables, nuts, and seeds, fruits can play a crucial role in reducing inflammation. Fruits that contain flavonoids can help reduce or stop inflammatory responses. Apples are rich in anti-inflammatory properties; pineapple contains bromelain, blueberries contain anthocyanins, tomatoes contain lycopene, each of which can reduce inflammation in joints and which help reducing pain.
4. Legumes and Beans
Apart from being good sources of protein and fiber, legumes and beans contain anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that fight the free radicals. Beans also contain anthocyanin, a flavonoid that can reduce inflammation.
5. Root Vegetables
Garlic, turmeric and ginger are superfoods with concentrated amounts of anti-inflammatory properties. Incorporate these veggies into your diet every day in some form or another as they can treat joint pain too.
6. Whole Grains
Some grains like wheat contain gluten which can trigger inflammation in our body. Whole grains that do not contain gluten and are rich in anti-inflammatory properties are whole oats, barley, and rye. You can use them as a whole grain or use their flour to make bread. Doctors recommend whole grains to treat many conditions that are caused by inflammation.
7. Green Tea
Green tea has gained a steep rise in popularity with its multiple health benefits. Among the many benefits, it also contains a compound called epigallocatechin-3-gallate. Two to three warm cups of green tea a day can reduce and inhibits inflammation and reduces damage to bones.
8. Olive Oil
Olive oil contains oleocanthal, an antioxidant that can fight inflammation. This ingredient is considered to be as effective as anti-inflammation medication. You can use it in salads, cooking, and marinades to optimize the impact on your bone health.