Cut Your Arthritis Risk with Fruits & Veggies

Nutrition News Flash

-- By Becky Hand, Licensed & Registered Dietitian

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A recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found the average daily intake of two carotenoids (beta-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin) was lower (by 40% and 20% respectively) for arthritis patients than healthy subjects. Both of these carotenoids can reduce inflammation. Further analysis showed that the participants with the highest intake were about half as likely to develop inflammatory arthritis than those with the lowest intake. Two other popular carotenoids, lutein and lycopene, did not appear to protect against arthritis.

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If you are looking for a way to protect your body against arthritis, it may already be a part of your normal breakfast routine—orange juice. To receive the protective, anti-inflammatory benefits of beta-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin include 7-9 fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Foods high in these particular carotenoids include: oranges, papaya, tangerines, kale, collard greens, spinach, swiss chard, mustard greens, red pepper, okra and romaine lettuce.

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About The Author

Becky Hand
Becky is a registered and licensed dietitian with almost 20 years of experience. Through her company, An Ounce of Prevention, she makes nutrition principles practical, easy to apply and fun. See all of Becky's articles.

Member Comments

BEBARB149

The food you eat really does make a difference. I was told by a friend to eat Kiwi fruit daily to lessen arthritis pain, and it works. It took about a month to start working, and I almost gave up, but that was several years ago. Now, if I miss a few days I start to ache more and more until I remember and start up again. The nice thing about food as medicine is it's fun to fix, tastes good, and can't cause side effects if you aren't allergic. - 3/22/2013 8:15:55 PM
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CPADDISON

For those willing to change their diet this is a great blog for reducing Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain http://www.rheuma
toidarthritis
program.com/j
oint-pain-relief - 1/6/2013 6:40:43 AM
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MAUR88N

Half of the article was covered up with a Celebrex ad. It looked like a good article, though. - 4/14/2012 9:28:37 AM
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CAROLEB1954

My husband suffers from arthric pain and I'll pass this information on to him. thank you - 3/27/2012 8:19:35 AM
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GRAPHICS2

Thanks for this information. I eat most of these fruits and veggies, I wil incorporate them in my meals more often - 1/3/2012 11:01:22 PM
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LESLIE_2B_LESS

Thank you - very informative! - 8/21/2011 12:37:20 AM
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WHEREIS170

I enjoy articles like this as it helps me when I go grocery shopping. I can look for simple foods that I can find locally. Its great. Thank you. - 7/5/2011 11:04:46 PM
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VRZIPFEL

I'm looking for natural ways to combat my arthritis so I was interested in this article. But sometimes when I read these things they aren't realistic....who is going to eat 9 fruits per day? Or drink 10 glasses of water? You would spend your day in the restroom. I would love more practical help. Any advice? - 2/24/2009 10:14:57 AM
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SPARMERINPA

We need more practical, down to earth articles like this, telling us how we can improve our diet to reduce pain and disability from arthritis - 1/8/2008 11:09:56 AM
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