Osteoarthritis, one among the most common forms of arthritis, affects the lives of many across the globe. The joint condition affects more than 32.5 million adults in the country. While it can affect an individual’s ability to carry out their daily activities due to restricted mobility, the condition and its effects can be reduced by adding certain foods to a patient’s diet. Read on to understand osteoarthritis and the foods that help manage it better.

What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis affects a vast majority of adults across the world. This condition can affect various joints in the body, including the knees, hips, spine, and hands. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that covers the ends of the bones wears off. As the cushioning reduces, the bones rub against each other and wear down, leading to joint damage.

This condition can be quite crippling, but the pain and other symptoms can be managed with the help of medication, regular exercise, and, most importantly, a healthy diet.

How does food help with osteoarthritis?
While many are aware of the effects the right diet can have on their overall health, food can also help osteoarthritis patients manage the condition better. Several studies have shown that certain foods and nutrients can reduce the inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Some foods also help lower blood cholesterol, prevent joint damage, and help maintain a healthy weight.

Here are a few foods that help manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis:

Veggies and fruits
Vegetables and fruits are beneficial for everyone but are especially amazing foods that help manage the effects of osteoarthritis. They contain loads of necessary vitamins and antioxidants. Vitamin D-rich fruits and veggies are great for calcium absorption, which helps strengthen the bones, and they also boost immunity and fight infections. One can add dark leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, chard, and even collard greens to their diet.

Broccoli
Another important food that can help manage osteoporosis is broccoli. It contains sulforaphane, which has positive effects on the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Not to mention, it contains vitamins K and C, which are beneficial for osteoarthritis patients.

Nuts
What’s not great about nuts? They are the perfect wholesome foods that help manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis. They contain magnesium, zinc, and a whole bunch of essential antioxidants, and their fiber content is also beneficial for the body.

Garlic
Garlic is another food that is a great natural remedy for several health issues. For osteoarthritis in particular, research has shown that it contains an element called diallyl disulfide, which tackles cartilage damage by working against the enzymes that cause it.

Green tea
Tea is a rich source of antioxidants and polyphenols, which are known to reduce inflammation in the joints and also control the damage being caused to the cartilage. Besides, green tea contains quercetin, which also has anti-inflammatory properties.