Blueberries & Arthritis
Arthritis affects approximately 20 percent of Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. Though not a miracle food, blueberries have shown to be beneficial to helping those with arthritis. The phytochemicals that give this berry its bluish color provide antioxidants, combating many of the symptoms arthritis patients deal with daily.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Antioxidants
Quercetin and anthocyanin are antioxidants, more specifically bioflavonoids. There are actually many types of fruit that also contain these protectors from free radicals, molecules that damage organs and cells. Blueberries contain the highest levels of these antioxidants. Although most berries contain three or four types of anthocyanins, blueberries have 20. “Arthritis Today” cited a study by James Joseph, Ph.D., of Tufts University that showed consuming between a half a cup and a full cup of berries each day can improve motor performance and cognition 134.
- Quercetin and anthocyanin are antioxidants, more specifically bioflavonoids.
- There are actually many types of fruit that also contain these protectors from free radicals, molecules that damage organs and cells.
Inflammation Fighter
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There are many types of arthritis 3. The majority of them -- including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid -- involve inflammation. MSNBC’s “Today Health” column sites two nutrients within blueberries as inflammation fighters. These antioxidants can help slow the progression of arthritis inflammation. Less inflammation means less wear on the joints and less pain to the patient.
- There are many types of arthritis 3.
- These antioxidants can help slow the progression of arthritis inflammation.
Memory Enhancer
Memory problems are a possible symptom of some forms of arthritis, including fibromyalgia. A study published in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" showed improvement of the memory of older adults who consumed blueberries. The research was led by Robert Krikorian, Ph.D., at the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center.
- Memory problems are a possible symptom of some forms of arthritis, including fibromyalgia.
- A study published in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" showed improvement of the memory of older adults who consumed blueberries.
Format
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It doesn’t appear to matter where your blueberries come from or what you do with them to reap the arthritis benefits 3. Tara Parker-Pope of “Well Blog,” published by the New York Times, suggests blueberries to be one of the best foods you can eat. She offers suggestions for consuming blueberries with oatmeal, in rice pudding, on salads, blended in smoothies and layered in yogurt parfaits.
Considerations
Consuming blueberries in any form is not considered harmful, and Dr. Krikorian says there would be no negative effects. It should be considered that the amount of blueberry juice consumed in his study was nearly 20 oz., so the extra calories should be figured into -- not added to -- a healthy diet.
Warning
Blueberries may help many symptoms of arthritis, but that doesn't mean you should eliminate medications you're taking. Discuss your improved symptoms with your doctor and continue to regularly take anything that was prescribed until told otherwise.
Related Articles
References
- “Arthritis Today”: Blueberry Juice May Improve Memory
- MSNBC Today Health: Feeling Stiff? Foods can ease the pain
- “Arthritis Today”: The Benefits of Berries
- “Arthritis Today”: What is Fibro Fog?
- Blueberries, raw. FoodData Central. U.S Department of Agriculture. Published April 1, 2019.
- Institute of Medicine (US) Panel on Micronutrients. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2001. 10, Manganese.
- Krikorian R, Shidler MD, Nash TA, et al. Blueberry supplementation improves memory in older adults. J Agric Food Chem. 2010;58(7):3996-4000. doi:10.1021/jf9029332
- Devore EE, Kang JH, Breteler MM, Grodstein F. Dietary intakes of berries and flavonoids in relation to cognitive decline. Ann Neurol. 2012;72(1):135-43. doi:10.1002/ana.23594
- Cassidy A, Mukamal KJ, Liu L, et al. High anthocyanin intake is associated with a reduced risk of myocardial infarction in young and middle-aged women. Circulation. 2013;127(2):188-96. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.112.122408
- Kimble R, Keane KM, Lodge JK, Howatson G. Dietary intake of anthocyanins and risk of cardiovascular disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2019;59(18):3032-3043. doi:10.1080/10408398.2018.1509835
- Yousuf B, Gul K, Wani AA, Singh P. Health benefits of anthocyanins and their encapsulation for potential use in food systems: a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2016;56(13):2223-30. doi:10.1080/10408398.2013.805316
- Martineau LC, Couture A, Spoor D, et al. Anti-diabetic properties of the Canadian lowbush blueberry Vaccinium angustifolium Ait. Phytomedicine. 2006;13(9-10):612-23. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2006.08.005
- Stull AJ, Cash KC, Johnson WD, Champagne CM, Cefalu WT. Bioactives in blueberries improve insulin sensitivity in obese, insulin-resistant men and women. J Nutr. 2010;140(10):1764-8. doi:10.3945/jn.110.125336
- Cunningham E. Are there foods that should be avoided if a patient is sensitive to salicylates?. J Am Diet Assoc. 2010;110(6):976. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2010.04.020
- Rane A, Lindh JD. Pharmacogenetics of anticoagulants. Hum Genomics Proteomics. 2010;2010:754919. doi:10.4061/2010/754919
- Bouzari A, Holstege D, Barrett DM. Mineral, fiber, and total phenolic retention in eight fruits and vegetables: a comparison of refrigerated and frozen storage. J Agric Food Chem. 2015;63(3):951-6. doi:10.1021/jf504890k
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Writer Bio
Marcia Frost is a writer covering travel, food, wine/spirits, and health. She writes for many on and offline publications, including The Daily Meal, Girls Getaway, Travelhoppers, and Princess Cruises.She also has a popular blog, Wine And SpiritsTravel. She has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Long Island University.