Short Answer: Cherries are good for arthritis. Because they have anthocyanins, flavonoids, and vitamin C, and they can reduce inflammation, lower uric acid, and protect your joints.
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 damage.
This can lead to various health problems, such as reduced mobility, disability, and increased risk of infections and cardiovascular diseases.
One of the key factors in managing arthritis is diet.
What you consume can affect your levels of inflammation, which can impact your arthritis symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage arthritis, you should consume anti-inflammatory foods like berries, leafy greens, and fatty fish, and avoid pro-inflammatory foods like red meat, processed foods, and added sugars.
Now, cherries are small, round fruits that come in different colors and varieties. People usually eat them fresh, dried, frozen, or juiced.
Cherries are good for arthritis because they contain anthocyanins, flavonoids, and vitamin C, which are all anti-inflammatory compounds.
One cup of cherries can give you 16% of your daily vitamin C, 10% of your daily potassium, and 3 grams of fiber.
Anthocyanins can reduce inflammation by suppressing the enzymes that cause it, and also lower the levels of uric acid, which can trigger gout, a type of arthritis that affects the big toe.
Flavonoids can also lower inflammation and protect your cells from oxidative stress, which can damage your joint tissues.
Vitamin C can boost your immune system, support collagen synthesis, and prevent infections.
Furthermore, cherries are a fruit and fruits are good for arthritis.
Because, they provide antioxidants, fiber, and water, which can help you maintain a healthy weight, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, and hydrate your joints.
You can eat one to two cups of cherries per day safely.
More than that can cause digestive problems, such as diarrhea and bloating, due to the high amount of sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, in cherries.
Also, you shouldn’t eat cherries if you have an allergy to them or to other fruits in the same family, such as peaches, plums, and apricots, to prevent anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.
Because, they share some of the same proteins that can trigger your immune system.
You can buy fresh cherries in your local market or can order them online.
Always choose cherries that are firm, plump, and shiny, and avoid those that are soft, wrinkled, or bruised.
Because, they indicate the freshness and quality of the cherries.
You can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to a year.
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.