Most Common Foods Proven To Help With Arthritis

Walnuts

Walnuts have measured health benefits for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Those with this condition have double the risk of developing heart disease as other healthy adults. Other types of arthritis can also increase an individual's risk of heart disease. Researchers have found consuming nuts reduces heart disease risk, and walnuts perform better than any other nuts for this purpose. The majority of nuts have high amounts of unsaturated fat, antioxidants, and fiber, but walnuts are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

These acids lower a number of cardiovascular health risks. One study showed the daily consumption of walnuts led to lower overall blood pressure, including the blood pressure response to common stressors. Some researchers have found data indicating omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils can reduce joint pain related to rheumatoid arthritis, but there isn't adequate data yet regarding if the omega-3s in walnuts have the same effects.

Green Tea

Studies have shown green tea contains a compound that can help with managing arthritis symptoms. The drink is high in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage. But researchers have also begun to test epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). This compound naturally occurs in green tea. When given to mice with symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, the compound seemed to reduce overall ankle swelling.

The effects of EGCG haven't been widely tested on human populations yet, but researchers are in the process of conducting more studies. Green tea also contains polyphenols, compounds that reduce inflammation and boost overall immune system health. If researchers find EGCG is an effective arthritis treatment, green tea may be a viable alternative to current treatments that cause long-term immune system damage.