Joint Health
In my last blog post, I shared a few simple strategies to maintain joint health. Sitting less, walking more, going barefoot whenever possible, stretching and foam rolling are all inexpensive ways to take care of your joints for the years to come. It is also important to know that certain foods can help keep cartilage, tendons, and ligaments strong and healthy. What follows is a list of foods beneficial to the joints and easy to have on hand.
Bone Broth
Bone broth has been used for thousands of years as a healing beverage by traditional cultures. This collagen-rich brew offers numerous joint-healthy ingredients: glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, and sulfur. I love having a cup of bone broth at the end of the day!
Sulfate-Containing Vegetables
Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, garlic, and onions have sulfate, which combines with chondroitin to make cartilage.
Bioflavonoids
Blueberries, blackberries, cherries, acai berries, cinnamon, red cabbage and onions all have anthocyanidins that help boost the connective tissue in joints by forming links between collagen fibers. Berries are such a great addition to smoothies!
Zinc-Containing Foods
Zinc is a mineral needed for the production of connective tissue. Grass-fed beef, lamb, oysters, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds offer high doses of it.
Copper-Containing Foods
Copper is a mineral needed for the maturation of collagen. Copper can be found in avocados, cacao, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and cashews, for instance.
In Summary
Most of these joint-healthy foods can be consumed every day as simple snack options. They can be part of a balanced diet that includes anti-inflammatory herbs and spices. Nourishing and supporting your joints has never been easier!
Until next time!
Reference
Axe, Josh. “5 Foods for Your Joints That Will Nourish Your Connective Tissue.” Dr. Axe, 18 Jan. 2020, draxe.com/nutrition/foods-for-your-joints/. Accessed 17 July 2021.
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