Short Answer: Egg is good for arthritis, except for rheumatoid arthritis and gout, because it has omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which are anti-inflammatory and beneficial for joint health.
Arthritis is a condition that affects your joints, which are the places where two bones meet.
In arthritis, your body’s immune system attacks the lining of your joints, causing inflammation, pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
This can lead to various health problems, such as joint damage, deformity, disability, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
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 fatty fish, nuts, berries, and leafy greens, and avoid pro-inflammatory foods like red meat, processed foods, sugar, and refined grains.
Now, egg is a food that comes from the ovary of a female bird, usually a chicken.
People usually eat eggs boiled, scrambled, fried, or baked.
Egg is a nutritious food that contains protein, fat, choline, and various vitamins and minerals.
Egg is good for arthritis because it contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce joint pain and stiffness.
Egg also contains vitamin D, which is important for bone health and may prevent osteoporosis, a common complication of arthritis.
However, egg is not good for all types of arthritis.
Egg contains arachidonic acid, which is a pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid that can worsen the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune type of arthritis.
Therefore, people with rheumatoid arthritis should limit their egg intake to avoid excess arachidonic acid.
One large egg can give you 6 grams of protein (12% of your daily needs), 5 grams of fat (8% of your daily needs), 147 milligrams of choline (27% of your daily needs), 41 international units of vitamin D (10% of your daily needs), and 186 milligrams of cholesterol (62% of your daily needs).
Omega-3 fatty acids can positively affect arthritis by reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and modulating the immune system.
Vitamin D can positively affect arthritis by maintaining bone density, regulating calcium and phosphorus levels, and supporting joint health.
Cholesterol can negatively affect arthritis by increasing the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to heart disease, a common comorbidity of arthritis.
Arachidonic acid can negatively affect arthritis by increasing inflammation, pain, and swelling in the joints.
Furthermore, egg is an animal product and animal products are good for arthritis in moderation.
Because, they provide high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle and tissue repair, and some beneficial nutrients, such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
However, animal products are also high in saturated fat, which can increase inflammation and cholesterol levels, and may trigger allergic reactions in some people with arthritis.
You can eat one or two eggs per day safely, as long as you do not have high cholesterol or rheumatoid arthritis.
More than that can cause high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and increased inflammation, which can worsen your arthritis symptoms and complications.
Also, you shouldn’t eat eggs if you have gout, a type of arthritis that is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood.
Uric acid can form crystals in the joints, causing severe pain and inflammation.
Because eggs are high in purines, which are substances that can increase uric acid levels in the body.
You can buy fresh eggs in your local market or can order them online.
Always choose organic, free-range, or omega-3 enriched eggs, because they have higher nutritional value, lower environmental impact, and better animal welfare.
You can store them in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, or in the freezer for up to one 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.