Contributed by: Healthians Team
Introduction
When you live with a chronic autoimmune disease such as psoriatic arthritis (PsA), it is important to eat foods that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
There’s no official list of PsA-friendly foods, fruits should definitely be on the menu. While no fruit is contraindicated for people with psoriatic arthritis, some fruits are known to contain substantial amounts of antioxidants, fibres, or flavonoids that help decrease joint inflammation. So why not indulge yourself with a sweet bowl of fruit salad for your sugar cravings?
Read on to learn some of the most popular fruits that people with psoriatic arthritis should eat.
Avocado
The delicious green fruit is a good source of vitamin C. Unlike most fruits, avocados are a good source of vitamin E, antioxidant monounsaturated oils, essential fatty acids and Vitamin E. Its anti-inflammatory effects may help decrease joint pain.
Avocados have also been shown to increase “good” HDL cholesterol while decreasing “bad” LDL cholesterol.
Despite the fruit’s relatively high-calorie content, regular avocado eaters tend to weigh less and have smaller waists, according to research. Their high fibre and fat content may aid in craving control.
Cherries
Cherries are loaded with polyphenols which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In addition, recent studies suggest tart cherries may help improve the quality of your sleep.
The high amounts of melatonin contained in cherries can help with increased sleep time and overall sleep efficiency.
Berries
Berries contain the phytonutrients called anthocyanins, which produce their red, blue and purple colours; quercetin; and various types of phenolic acids that reduce inflammation.
They are also loaded with vitamin C, which is important for collagen, that aids in building bones. Eating just eight strawberries have as much vitamin C as an entire orange.
Watermelon
The consumption of watermelon has been shown in studies to lower the inflammatory marker CRP. It’s also high in beta-cryptoxanthin, a carotenoid that can lower the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Additionally, it is loaded with lycopene, an antioxidant that may help protect against certain cancers and lower the risk of a heart attack.
One cup contains approximately 40% more lycopene than raw tomatoes, the next richest raw food source. Watermelon is also 92% water, making it ideal for hydration and weight management.
Pineapple
This hydrating fruit is loaded with vitamin C, as well as manganese, which is vital to maintaining bone health. Pineapples contain a group of enzymes called bromelain which is an effective pain reliever for people who have osteoarthritis.
It has effective anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, making it a safe alternative to over-the-counter painkillers.
Mango
Mangos are brimming with good-for-you nutrients like vitamin C, polyphenols, and carotenoids, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against bone destruction.
Recent research has shown that mango contains a specific compound—mangiferin—that may help tamp down inflammation associated with arthritis. In fact, mangos are the primary source of this compound.
Kiwi
Literature reports describe this fuzzy fruit as endowed with health-promoting properties that may influence human wellness.
Kiwi as food has significant effects on human health, including anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Kiwi is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help potentially reduce painful flare-ups.
Fresh kiwi or raw kiwi fruit extracts also contains a healthy dose of dietary fibre, which may reduce the risk of heart disease, a common comorbidity of PsA.
Final thoughts
The food you eat can have a big impact on psoriatic arthritis symptoms, either positively or negatively. Eating certain fruits with high anti-inflammatory properties can help decrease joint pain and swelling,
Having said that, it is important to keep in mind that fruits are in no way a replacement for medical treatment. However, there is no harm in making them a delicious part of your overall therapy.
Also, it’s a wise move to take periodic arthritis checkups to keep an eye on the effectiveness of the treatment or to check for the warning signs of the onset of arthritis.
