Eat to promote joint health

Friday, December 17, 2010 by: Cindy Jones-Shoeman
Tags: joint health, foods, health news

(NewsTarget) The human body is a miraculous machine. All its parts work in harmony, acting and reacting to both internal and external forces. Human beings don't have to consciously think about breathing or digesting because of this machine at work. Joints are a part of this well-oiled machine - without joints, people couldn't bend or twist or even turn around smoothly. And because there are "over 230 moveable and semi-moveable joints in your body," according to Dr. Loretta J. Standley, it makes sense that people would want to care for these important parts of the body.

Science has proven time and again that one's diet promotes one's health (or endangers one's health, depending on what he or she is eating). So it makes sense that, rather than taking a pill for joint health, one would choose to eat foods that are beneficial to his health and well-being. Caring for joints can be managed with one's diet as well.

Omega-3 fatty acids aid joint health because of their anti-inflammatory properties. Good vegan sources of omega-3 include almonds and other nuts and seeds, flax, and leafy green vegetables. Experts recommend ingesting at least one source a day (such as a handful of nuts for a snack).

Antioxidants are good for one's body for so many reasons, so it's good to know that antioxidants are great for joint health as well. Like omega-3s, they have anti-inflammatory properties in addition to all the other benefits they offer. Eating a rainbow of colors in one's diet every day (like red peppers, carrots, red onions, and tomatoes) is the best bet. Vitamin D is also beneficial, and it doesn't have to be eaten - a little time outside in the sun every day is all one needs for optimal health.

Herbs and spices like turmeric and ginger also reduce inflammation in addition to their other healthy properties. Garlic is also touted for the same reason. Several bulbs should be eaten daily for maximum benefits.

Why are only vegan sources of food mentioned here? Again, because diet does promote health, one should look at her overall health picture. Foods like red meat (and other meat products that lead to ingesting too much protein) as well as dairy actually counteract joint health. Doesn't it make sense to care for one's joints through diet rather than pharmaceuticals?

Sources:
http://www.drstandley.com/bodysystems_skelet...
http://www.thechinastudy.com/
http://www.losethattyre.co.uk/the-20-best-an...
http://www.wellsphere.com/healthy-eating-art...
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/...
http://www.livestrong.com/article/108811-art...

About the author

Cindy Jones-Shoeman is the author of Last Sunset and a Feature Writer for Academic Writing at Suite101.
Some of Cindy's interests include environmental issues, vegetarian and sustainable lifestyles, music, and reading.