Short Answer: Cashews are good for arthritis because they have omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, l-arginine and vitamin E, and they can lower inflammation and improve joint health.
Arthritis is a condition that affects your joints, which are the places where your bones meet and move.
In arthritis, your body’s immune system attacks your own joint tissues, causing inflammation, pain, stiffness and swelling.
This can lead to various health problems, such as reduced mobility, joint damage, disability and increased risk of infections.
One of the key factors in managing arthritis is diet.
What you consume can affect your inflammation levels, which can impact your arthritis symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage arthritis, you should consume anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts, and avoid inflammatory foods like sugar, salt, saturated fat and trans fat.
Now, cashews are a type of nut that are rich in protein, healthy fats, minerals and antioxidants.
People usually eat them raw, roasted, salted or as a butter.
Cashews are good for arthritis because they contain omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, l-arginine and vitamin E, which are all beneficial for reducing inflammation and improving joint health.
One ounce of cashews can give you about 12% of your daily omega-3 needs, 20% of your daily magnesium needs, 10% of your daily l-arginine needs and 7% of your daily vitamin E needs.
Omega-3 fatty acids can lower the production of inflammatory chemicals in your body and improve the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory signals.
Magnesium can relax your blood vessels and muscles, reduce oxidative stress and regulate calcium levels in your bones and cartilage.
L-arginine can increase the synthesis of nitric oxide, a molecule that dilates your blood vessels and improves blood flow to your joints.
Vitamin E can protect your cells from free radical damage, modulate your immune system and prevent the breakdown of cartilage.
Furthermore, cashews are a plant-based food and plant-based foods are good for arthritis because they can lower your cholesterol, blood pressure, body weight and inflammation.
Because, animal-based foods can increase these risk factors and worsen your arthritis.
You can eat one to two ounces of cashews per day safely.
More than that can cause weight gain, digestive issues and kidney stones.
Also, you shouldn’t eat cashews if you have a nut allergy to prevent anaphylaxis.
Because, cashews are one of the most common triggers of nut allergies.
You can buy fresh cashews in your local market or can order them online.
Always choose unsalted and unroasted cashews to avoid excess sodium and oil.
Because, these can increase your inflammation and blood pressure.
You can store them in an airtight container in a cool and dry place for up to six months.
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Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing arthritis effectively.
I always recommend my arthritis patients to follow an arthritis-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being and enjoy a longer and healthier life.
