Arthritis: Add five spices to your cooking to treat joint pain and arthritis symptoms
ARTHRITIS has no cure, but pain and symptoms associated with the joint condition can be improved by making certain dietary changes. The following five spices contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to help relieve arthritis.
Doctor reveals that ginger is BETTER for arthritis pain relief
Arthritis affects over 10 million people in the UK. The most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Symptoms of all types of arthritis include pain, stiffness and inflammation of the joints. While the condition is lifelong and has no direct cure, symptoms can be relieved by including certain antioxidants and anti-inflammatories into your diet. The Arthritis Foundation recommends adding the following five spices to your cooking to help ease pain and inflammation associated with the condition.
When you have arthritis, your joints and sometimes other parts of your body become inflamed, and many spices inhibit certain inflammatory pathways in the body
Garlic
Garlic contains diallyl disulfide, an anti-inflammatory compound that limits the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Thanks to this, garlic can help fight the pain, inflammation and cartilage damage of arthritis.
Opt for fresh garlic from the produce section because preservatives may be added to bottled garlic and processing may decrease some of its strength.
Turmeric
Curcumin, the active chemical in turmeric root, blocks inflammatory cytokines and enzymes.
Several human trials have shown an anti-inflammatory benefit, which can translate to reduced joint pain and swelling.
Turmeric is most effective in combination with black pepper, which helps the body absorb it better, according to the arthritis expert.
Ginger
Ginger contains two chemicals - gingerol and shogaol - that block inflammation pathways in the body. It’s best to use ginger in its fresh form.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, both of which have antioxidant properties that help inhibit cell damage caused by free radicals.
Used in combination with other foods and spices, it may offer a cumulative anti-inflammatory effect over the course of the day.
Cayenne
Chilli peppers contain natural compounds called capsaicinoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
“When you have arthritis, your joints and sometimes other parts of your body become inflamed, and many spices inhibit certain inflammatory pathways in the body,” said the Arthritis Foundation.
“And although a dash of cinnamon on your oatmeal is somewhat infinitesimal, spices can pack a significant punch when you consume a number of them throughout the day.”