For the older sector of the population, arthritis seems to be a popular complaint and medical diagnosis. Arthritis is simply inflammation of joints - the part of the body where two bones meet and is constantly subjected to pressure. At the end of the bones are cartilages. These tissues allow the joints to move smoothly. It also absorbs the shock when the joint is put under pressure. For instance, if you jump, the cartilage absorbs the pressure instead of the bones. When the cartilage thins, the bones will instead rub against the adjacent bone. The rubbing together of bones causes pain and swelling, or inflammation.

There are various types of arthritis. The most common of which are the rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gouty arthritis.

• Rheumatoid arthritis is considered to be an autoimmune disease where the body attacks itself. It attacks the healthy cartilage, which results to its thinning and therefore inflammation of the joint.
• Gouty arthritis is due to increasing uric acid which accumulates in the joints causing erosion. When there is too much accumulation of uric acid salts within the joints, joints become deformed.
• Osteoarthritis is the wearing and tearing of joints, which is common to older individuals and those who use a particular joint constantly.

We cannot simply make ourselves immobile if we want to prevent arthritis from developing in our body. We need to keep on doing exercises, especially low-impact ones, and do some necessary lifestyle changes to make our body healthy. We can also increase our consumption of the following fruits, which are found out to be beneficial in preventing or fighting arthritis and its symptoms.

1. Cherries

   There have been several studies conducted showing how cherries can help in relieving the symptoms of arthritis. Cherries have long been considered for its anti-inflammatory capabilities. Aside from the vitamins and minerals, cherries are high in phytonutrients, which are antioxidants. In a study made in California, volunteers who ate Bing cherries for breakfast have decreasing levels of blood urates. Urates are precursors of uric acids. The blood urates are actually removed through the urinary system. If urates are decreased, then cherries have the potential to decrease the tendency of developing gout, which is considered to be hereditary for many people.  Another study conducted by the Baylor Research Institute is on the effects of tart cherry pills. Grounded and placed in gel capsules, tart cherry pills has shown decrease in pain and increase in joint functions after the subjects were given regular doses of the pill for about two months. It is recommended that eating about six pieces of cherries daily can help the body fight arthritis.

2. Papaya

   A third of a kilogram of papaya can already yield 313 percent of the daily value of vitamin C. It is also rich in vitamins A and E, as well as potassium, fiber and folate. Dubbed by Christopher Columbus as the fruit of the angels, papaya is rich in papain, an enzyme that can help digest proteins. Papaya has several benefits. It is not just limited to the digestive health, but this sweet, spherically shaped fruit, is also good for protecting the body from heart ailments, for protecting the body from developing macular degeneration, for promotion of pulmonary health, and of course, for protection against rheumatoid arthritis and its inflammatory symptoms. The culprit, according to the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, is papaya’s vitamin C and A, which can fight the substances that causes the arthritis due to auto-immunity.

3. Cantaloupe

   Just a cup or 160 grams of the rich flavored and sweet aroma cantaloupe can already provide 108 percent of the daily value of vitamin A. Cantaloupe is also rich in vitamin C, which can almost provide 100 percent of the required daily allowance. Potassium, folate, magnesium and B-vitamins are all found in cantaloupe. Not only will you get vitamins and minerals, but cantaloupe is low in calories. Because of its vitamin A content, cantaloupe is implicated in several eye disorders. Studies have shown that those who eat large amounts of cantaloupe regularly are more likely not to develop cataracts; this is due to the beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A for good eyesight. But cantaloupe is more than the eyesight; it is also good in fighting arthritis. The rich antioxidant substances in the fruit can actually help the joints in fighting the substances that destroy the cartilage causing arthritis. By eating the sliced cantaloupe directly or processing it to make a puree, you can already be assured that you are protected from the ill effects of arthritis.

4. Blueberries

   Compared to other fruits, blueberry has low amounts of vitamin C, but the fruit is highly rich in vitamin K and phytonutrients that are considered to be antioxidants. Anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids and flavonols are what blueberries are rich of. Blueberries are beneficial for those suffering from cardiovascular diseases and those who have problems balancing the levels of their blood sugar and insulin. But blueberries are also good for those suffering from arthritis. When the joint is subjected to increasing pressure due to usage, there is increase in oxidative stress. The more the oxidative stress, the more the body releases substances that destroy the cartilage. With phytonutrients, they eradicate the substances that thrive on healthy tissues. By increasing the amounts of blueberry in the diet, healthy tissues, such as the cartilage, are protected and arthritis is prevented.

5. Kiwi

   Kiwifruit is the first fruit remembered when discussing fruits found in New Zealand. A piece of kiwi weighing about 74 grams can already provide 120 percent of the required daily allowance for vitamin C. Any food highly rich in vitamin C is said to be beneficial is preventing the inflammatory process. This is due to vitamin C’s ability to scavenge on free radicals. When the joints are under oxidative stress due to over usage, free radicals increase. When there is accumulation of free radicals, tissues are destroyed and will cause inflammation. By eating away the free radicals, the body, particularly the joints, is protected from debilitating diseases, such as arthritis.

Sources
healthmad.com
today.msnbc.msn.com
sciencedaily.com
whfoods.org