While stiffness in the joints, arthritis, and similar concerns have long been thought to be an unavoidable part of the aging process, there is an increasing body of evidence to the contrary. It is becoming more widely understood that the body is essentially an engine, and with the right sort of maintenance, it can run more smoothly longer. Think of an unhealthy lifestyle as similar to the process of rust, corrosion, and deterioration that is common to a neglected engine. Now, think of a healthy lifestyle as similar to keeping an engine well oiled, fueled, and maintained. Our joints are the moving parts in our body that allow us to walk, run, bend, stand, sit, and turn. These are the parts of our body that give us mobility, and therefore life. There has been much research in the field of diet and nutrition for joint health, and here are some of the best foods for keeping our bodies running smoothly.

Salmon: Not all fish are created equal; wild salmon is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, unlike its farmed counterpart. This super-food is anti-inflammatory, a quality that makes it essential in preventing both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Sockeye salmon has the added benefit of bring high in vitamin D, a heavyweight in the bone health arena. However, wild salmon, especially the sockeye variety can get expensive. You can compensate by using canned wild salmon, which is less expensive and delicious tossed into creamy pasta, scattered over salads, or pressed into croquettes to be baked or pan-fried.

Almonds: There is no better source of vitamin E than almonds, and they are jam-packed with health benefits. Vitamin E is crucial to the protective membranes around the joints, and is also found in high concentration in walnuts, sunflower seeds, and peanuts. Simply snack on a handful of these nutritional powerhouses once a day, or, add nuts to a vegetable saute, to baked goods, to morning cereal, or enjoy a good old PB & J. Substitute almond butter of sunflower seed butter for a bigger dose of vitamin E.

Papayas: These tropical fruits beat oranges two-to-one in vitamin C content, and offer an additional blast of beta-carotene, and both prevent your cells from the free-radical damage that can lead to rheumatoid arthritis. They also assist the body’s production of collagen, which is great for the skin, but also builds cartilage, which cushions your joints against pressure and shock. Collagen breakdown is a major component in the development of osteoarthritis. Enjoy papayas in a hydrating fruit salad, in smoothies, or make a spicy salsa with fresh chilies, lime juice, minced onion, and cilantro.

Apples: It looks like the old adage is true! Apples are high in quercetin, an amino acid that assists the body’s formation of cartilage and repairing the body’s tissues. Quercetin is found in the skin of apples, and is in higher concentration in dark red apples. Cut up an apple and smear it with almond or peanut butter for a double-dose of joint-healthy foods, or saute apples with cinnamon and honey to serve over oatmeal, pancakes, or pork chops.

www.OSC-Ortho.com is the leading orthopaedic practice in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina. Visit our website for more information and how to contact us.

http://www.osc-ortho.com/ is the leading orthopaedic practice in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina. Visit our website for more information and how to contact us http://www.osc-ortho.com/contact/contact.html.

Author Bio: www.OSC-Ortho.com is the leading orthopaedic practice in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina. Visit our website for more information and how to contact us.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Health, Specialist, Diet, Food