Fruits are naturally sweet, and many offer a substantial dose of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Some have components that may help lower inflammation associated with arthritis and other serious conditions, such as heart disease and stroke. The fruits below boast some of the best benefits for people with arthritis and related conditions.  

1. What causes arthritis?

The cause of arthritis may vary according to the type of the disease. Most types of arthritis do not have a known cause. Research has revealed the role of three major factors in certain types of arthritis:

• Genetic (inherited) factors cause some types of arthritis to run in families
• Physical activity and diet affects arthritis symptoms
• The presence of other medical conditions such as infections and chronic diseases such as lupus puts you at risk for Arthritis.

Several factors may increase a person’s risk for arthritis:

• Age: The risk of getting arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, increases with age. Age may also worsen the symptoms of arthritis.
• Gender: Arthritis generally affects women more often than in men.
• Weight: Being obese or overweight puts extra stress on the joints that support an individual’s weight. Increased weight beyond the normal range for a person’s age and height increases joint wear and tear, and the risk of arthritis.
• Occupation: Certain jobs may involve the worker to keep doing the same movements repeatedly. These include jobs where one needs to do heavy lifting or repeated fine work as done by musicians. It can cause joint stress and/or an injury, which may lead to arthritis.
• Injury: joint injury or trauma may cause osteoarthritis
• Autoimmune diseases: these may misdirect the immune system towards the joints as seen in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
• Infections: certain infections may lead to joint inflammation as seen in tubercular arthritis and septic arthritis.

Best Fruits for Arthritis

Strawberries 

Sugar Free Soft – Dried Strawberry

Strawberries are naturally low in sugar and have more vitamin C per serving than an orange. Vitamin C can lower risk for gout, high blood pressure and cholesterol problems. Research has also shown that women who ate 16 or more strawberries a week had lower C-reactive protein (CRP), a measure of body-wide inflammation linked to arthritis flares and heart disease.  

As with cherries, scientists suspect it is anthocyanin, along with other phytochemicals, that gives strawberries their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant health benefits. Strawberries are also a good source of folic acid, which the arthritis medication methotrexate can deplete. People taking methotrexate often need folic acid supplements to help prevent side effects, but eating strawberries is still beneficial.  

Avocado 

The rich, creamy texture of this fruit comes in part from its high concentration of anti-inflammatory monounsaturated fat. Avocados are also rich in the carotenoid lutein. Unlike most fruits, avocados are a good source of vitamin E, a micronutrient with anti-inflammatory effects. Diets high in these compounds are linked to decreased risk of the joint damage seen in early OA. 

Studies also show eating avocados daily increases “good” HDL cholesterol and lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol. Despite the fruit’s relatively high calorie content, research has found that regular avocado eaters tend to weigh less and have smaller waists. Their high fiber and fat content may help people control cravings.

Grapes 

Sugar Free Soft-Dried Five-Color Grapes

Both white and darker-colored varieties of grapes are a great source of beneficial antioxidants and other polyphenols. Fresh red and black grapes also contain resveratrol, the heart-healthy compound found in red wine that contributes to cardiovascular health by improving the function of blood vessels.   

Resveratrol is also a potent anti-inflammatory. Studies show this bioactive compound acts on the same cellular targets as NSAIDs. Researchers are studying its potential for improving symptoms of OA, as well as for other chronic diseases linked to aging.

Source: arthritis foundation, medicinenet

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