MACA POWDER FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS RELIEF

According to a study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, persons with osteoarthritis who consumed maca daily for eight weeks reduced overall pain by 62% and stiffness by 51%. The reason? Maca powder helps tame inflammation and trigger cartilage repair which in turn relieves joint aches and improves mobility. If you are interested, I posted a smoothie recipe today on my grandmaskitchenmedicine blog.

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#9 HEALTHIEST FRUITS - CHERRIES

Continuing with the fifteen healthiest fruits, we have reached number 9, cherries. I have never thought I was big on fruits until I started these posts. As I write about each of these fruits, I find myself thinking, "That's one of my favorites" As I add cherries to my list of favorites, I am coming to realize I enjoy fruits much more than I realized. Having said that, I will quote the health journal on cherries, another one of my favorites.

"Cherries come in a wide variety of sweet and tart versions, and all of them are packed with health-protective substances. This stone fruit contains powerful polyphenols such as anthocyanins, catechin, and epicatechin, and it's known for its antioxidant properties, too. Because cherries are high in anti-inflammatory compounds, research suggests that consuming them may reduce your risk for several inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, heart disease, and certain cancers. Cherries are also a solid source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium."

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OLIVE OIL FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Studies have shown that the high concentrations of monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil seem to protect against joint inflammation.  The participants in one study who consumed approximately 3 tablespoons of olive oil a day lessened their chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis by 60%.  If you suffer from RA, it might be worth it for you to add more olive oil to your diet.  Beware though that olive oil can be high in calories so use as a replacement for butter, etc. Don't be afraid of olive oil because of the fat content. Olive oil contains healthy fats your body needs.

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EATING TO STRENGTHEN YOUR JOINTS

Yes, what you eat can strengthen your joints and lower your risk of developing arthritis. A study at the University of North Carolina found that people who eat lots of selenium were 38% less likely than others to ever develop arthritis. Both fish and whole grains are top sources of selenium so double your intake with a tuna sandwich on whole-wheat bread.

Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., reminds us that fish is also an excellent source of the powerful natural anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids that can help slow down joint damage in those already diagnosed with arthritis.

Recommendation: Two servings of whole-grain bread daily and 12-oz of fish weekly.

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CUT YOUR ARTHRITIS RISK WITH VITAMIN C

Some studies have shown that taking 500 mg of vitamin C daily could cut your risk of developing arthritis by 25%. Dr. Theodosakis, a preventive medicine expert at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, explained that vitamin C mops up free radicals before they can damage joint tissue. He stated, "Plus, it activates the enzymes that build healthy new joint cartilage." If you want to improve your chances of avoiding arthritis, talk to your doctor about taking vitamin C. I said to talk to your doctor because you should never start taking supplements without consulting your doctor first.

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OMEGA-3S AND ARTHRITIS

Arthritis is a painful disease and what you eat certainly cannot cure arthritis but it can make you feel better or worse! Leslie Bonci, R.D., the director of Sports Nutrition in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Pittsburg stated, "Food isn't a panacia, but some can make your joints healthier." She gives the following as her #1 food suggestion to arthritis sufferers to make their lives easier:

• Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring and/or other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. Other high omega-3 foods include walnuts, soybeans, flaxseed, canola oil, and pumpkin seeds. Why these foods? Omega-3s decrease the production of chemicals that spread inflammation. They also inhibit enzymes that trigger inflammation." Another benefit of the fatty fish is that they help prevent swelling and soreness, according to Ms. Bonci.

If you have arthritis and you aren't currently including some of these food in your diet on a regular basis, you should start to do so. After all, what arthritis sufferer wouldn't love to feel better and perhaps be able to cut back on meds.

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DIET AND WEIGHT AFFECT RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Most who suffer with rheumatoid arthritis will do almost anything to reduce their pain and discomfort. One important thing to remember is that excess weight puts more stress on already painful joints. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy can improve overall health and help one to lose weight. Losing weight can reduce the stress on those sore, swollen joints.

 

DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT SWEET POTATOES?

 

INFLAMMATION - SYSTEMIC (CHRONIC)

Systemic inflammation can wreak havoc in any part of your body.  Dr. Floyd Chilton of Wake Forest Baptist Health School of Medicine in North Carolina says, and I quote here, "If the haywire inflammatory process happens in the heart, you wind up with heart disease; if it happens in the joints, it's arthritis; in the brain, it might be dementia."  Widespread inflammation can be a symptom of lupus, an autoimmune, chronic inflammatory condition.  It is also widely believed by the medical community that chronic inflammation plays a significant role (either as a cause or effect) in many diseases such as type 2 diabetes, arthritis, Chron's disease, heart disease, cancer, and stroke.  The last three are America's top 3 killers.

It is recommended that we drink green tea daily.  Green tea is full of potent antioxidants that help stop inflammation.  If you suffer from arthritis, as an example, would you believe something as simple as a few cups of green tea daily could help you battle the disease?  That is a fairly inexpensive and simple medicine!

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THE IMPORTANCE OF MUSTARD SEEDS IN THE DIET

From Bible parables to todays table, importance has been placed on mustard seeds.  These tiny little seeds are found inside the seed pods of the mustard plant.  The mustard plant is a cruciferous cousin to broccoli and cabbage.  The brown seeds are pungent with a sharp, spicy-hot flavor and are used in brown mustards and Dijon mustards.  The milder, yellowish-white seeds are used to make the traditional American mustard.  These seeds are widely available and make great seasonings for meats, etc.  They are also great for pickling.  When gently toasted for a few minutes in a dry pan (shake pan constantly during toasting), they get a nutty essence and crunch that makes them a great garnish for fish, salads, rice, etc.

Being products of the curciferous family, they contain natural healing components.  In studies the phytonutrients of the mustard seeds have shown to help prevent cancer, especially of the intestinal tract including the colon. 

Mustard seeds have anti-inflammatory properties ranking high as a source of selenium, a nutrient which that has been shown to help reduce the severity of asthma, decrease some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and help prevent cancer.

They are also a good source of magnesium. Like selenium, magnesium has been shown to help reduce the severity of asthma, to lower high blood pressure, to restore normal sleep patterns in women having difficulty with the symptoms of menopause, to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, and to prevent heart attack in patients suffering from atherosclerosis or diabetic heart disease.

Other compounds found in mustard seeds are manganese and omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Include mustard and mustard seeds in your diet for their health benefits.  The flavor is an added benefit!  Why hot get rid of the mayonnaise and mayo type sandwich spreads you are currently using and replace them with mustards.  Remember, it is the small changes over time that make the biggest difference in your diet.