Photo: Lisa Fotios

What are the worst vegetables for inflammation?

Nightshade Vegetables Eggplants, peppers, tomatoes and potatoes are all members of the nightshade family. These vegetables contain the chemical solanine, which some people claim aggravates arthritis pain and inflammation.

arthritis.org - Best Vegetables for Arthritis

Does lemon affect the heart?

Lemon juice keeps the blood vessels flexible and free from cholesterol buildup. It also contains high level of potassium, which is essential for...

Last updated Dec 18, 2019

Does turmeric lower cortisol?

"Curcumin's positive antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects are likely due to its ability to normalize specific physiological pathways," says...

Last updated Dec 22, 2018

Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

When you have arthritis, the produce section is one of the most important stops you can make in the grocery store. Vegetables are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that protect against cell damage and lower inflammation throughout the body, including in your joints. When choosing vegetables, remember the more color the better, and variety is key. Here’s a guide to some of the vegetables that should color your plate every day.

Dark Green Leafy Vegetables

Energy production and other metabolic processes in the body produce harmful byproducts called free radicals. Not only do free radicals damage cells, but they also have been linked to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inflammation. Green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, Swiss chard and bok choy are packed with antioxidants like vitamins A, C and K, which protect cells from free-radical damage. These foods are also high in bone-preserving calcium. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables (Brussels sprouts, cabbage, bok choy and cauliflower) offer another benefit – a natural compound called sulforaphane. Research on mice shows sulforaphane blocks the inflammatory process and might slow cartilage damage in osteoarthritis (OA). And there’s some evidence diets high in cruciferous vegetables could prevent RA from developing in the first place.

Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Red Peppers and Squash

These brightly orange- and red-hued vegetables get their distinctive color from carotenoids like beta-cryptoxanthin. Plant pigments also supply sweet potatoes, carrots, squash and red peppers with antioxidants. Some research suggests eating more foods rich in beta-cryptoxanthin could reduce your risk of developing RA and other inflammatory conditions.

Red and Green Peppers

Peppers – no matter what their color or whether they’re mild or hot – are an abundant source of vitamin C, which preserves bone, and may protect cartilage cells. Getting less than the recommended 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men daily may increase risk for OA of the knee. Just a half-cup of red bell pepper gives you a full day’s supply.

Onions, Garlic, Leeks and Shallots

These pungent and flavorful vegetables are all members of the allium family, which are rich in a type of antioxidant called quercetin. Researchers are investigating quercetin’s potential ability to relieve inflammation in diseases like RA. Alliums also contain a compound called diallyl disulphine, which may reduce the enzymes that damage cartilage.

Olives

Are carrots OK for diabetics?

Carrots can be a safe choice if you have diabetes and are watching your blood sugar levels. They're also non-starchy vegetables. So you can even...

Last updated Jan 24, 2018

How many beets per day?

Dose of beets is based generally on their nitrate content. The ideal content is between 6.4 and 12.8 mg per kg of beets. To put it in layman terms,...

Last updated Apr 15, 2019

Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

Though technically a fruit and not found in the produce aisle, olives and olive oil can be potent inflammation fighters. Extra-virgin olive oil contains the compound oleocanthal, a natural anti-inflammatory agent that has properties similar to the ibuprofen.

Nightshade Vegetables

Eggplants, peppers, tomatoes and potatoes are all members of the nightshade family. These vegetables contain the chemical solanine, which some people claim aggravates arthritis pain and inflammation. However, most reports are anecdotal, and while it certainly might be true for some people, there are no scientific studies done to prove that they actually cause inflammation or make symptoms worse, says Kim Larson, a Seattle-based dietitian and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokesperson. Nightshade vegetables are rich in nutrients, making them a worthy addition to your diet. Simply test it. Eliminate nightshades from your diet for a couple weeks and slowly reintroduce them back into your diet. If you find that adding nightshades trigger arthritis pain, don’t eat them, Larson suggests.

Cooking Your Vegetables

Almost as important as which vegetables you choose is how you cook them. Steaming is preferable to boiling because it preserves the nutrients in the vegetables. “Don’t use a lot of water, because vitamins and antioxidants might leach out in the water,” Larson says. Also, don’t overcook them – keep vegetables a little bit al dente to hold in the vitamins and minerals. Skip the deep fryer, which adds a lot of extra fat and calories, but do sauté. Using oil releases the phytochemicals in vegetables and makes them more available, says Larson. Even better, use a tablespoon or two of olive oil to get an extra dose of anti-inflammatory olecanthal. Learn more about managing arthritis pain through nutrition and track your progress by downloading the free Vim app.

arthritis.org - Best Vegetables for Arthritis

What goes first moisturizer or vitamin C?

Generally speaking, the best time to apply vitamin C serum is in the morning, after cleansing and toning your complexion, and before moisturizer...

Last updated Oct 20, 2019

How can I speed up healing after CO2 laser?

Keeping your face well hydrated after receiving laser skin resurfacing can help alleviate this with the use of doctor-approved moisturizing creams...

Last updated Oct 22, 2019

Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

Contains a potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favored beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »

Promotion

Can you live off eggs?

Eggs can be a healthful source of protein, but they should not be the only food a person eats. The egg diet may lead to weight loss initially, but...

Last updated Dec 3, 2022

Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

Why is my belly fat so stubborn?

Abdominal fat cells tend to have the receptors that do not allow for easy release of fat; this is the key to why belly fat is so resistant to...

Last updated Aug 7, 2019