Short Answer: Cherries are good for arthritis because they have anthocyanins and other nutrients that can reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and uric acid levels in the joints.
Arthritis is a condition that affects your joints, which are the places where two bones meet in your body.
In arthritis, your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
This can lead to various health problems, such as joint damage, reduced mobility, and increased risk of infections and cardiovascular diseases.
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 cherries, berries, leafy greens, and fatty fish, and avoid pro-inflammatory foods like red meat, processed foods, sugar, and alcohol.
Now, cherries are small stone fruits that come in different colors and flavors.
People usually eat them fresh, dried, frozen, or as juice.
Cherries are good for arthritis because they contain anthocyanins, which are plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Anthocyanins can help reduce the inflammation and oxidative stress that contribute to arthritis.
They may also lower the levels of uric acid, which can cause gout, a type of arthritis.
One cup (154 grams) of cherries can give you 18% of your daily vitamin C, 10% of your daily potassium, and 3 grams of fiber.
Vitamin C and potassium can help support your immune system and blood pressure, while fiber can help improve your digestion and lower your cholesterol.
Anthocyanins can positively affect arthritis by inhibiting the enzymes that cause inflammation and pain in the joints.
They can also protect the cartilage and collagen in the joints from degradation.
Furthermore, cherries are a low-glycemic food and a good source of melatonin. Low-glycemic foods can help regulate your blood sugar and insulin levels, which can affect your inflammation and weight.
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates your sleep cycle, which can affect your pain perception and mood.
You can eat one to two cups of cherries per day safely.
More than that can cause digestive issues, such as diarrhea or bloating.
Also, you shouldn’t eat cherries if you have an allergy to them or if you are taking blood thinners, as they can increase your bleeding risk.
Because cherries can lower your blood sugar and blood pressure, you should also consult your doctor if you are taking medications for diabetes or hypertension.
You can buy fresh cherries in your local market or order them online.
Always choose cherries that are firm, plump, and shiny, and avoid those that are bruised, soft, or moldy.
Because cherries are highly perishable, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a year.
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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.
