To keep your knees and hands free of arthritis, here's what you should have before each meal: a small salad.

Why? Because the vitamin K in leafy greens -- think cabbage, spinach, and swiss chard, for starters -- could help reduce your risk of joint damage.

Get a Grip on Arthritis
In a study of older adults, those with higher blood levels of vitamin K were significantly less likely to develop the bone spurs and cartilage damage that are common in painful osteoarthritis. Hands seemed to benefit most, but people's knees got some protection, too. Just one word of caution: If you're on blood thinners, check with your doctor about appropriate K intake. (Could poor posture hurt your knees? Find out in this article.)

A Yummy Greens Scene
You shouldn't need a vitamin K supplement if you eat your greens -- especially dark ones. (Whew. One less supplement to take.) And we've got some delish recipes that can make even the most green-averse palate warm up to them:

• Indian-Spiced Kale and Chickpeas
• Asian-Style Grilled Tofu with Greens
• Loaded Spinach Salad

Greens just not your thing? No problem. Broccoli and asparagus make tasty alternatives. Find recipes for them in the RealAge Recipe Box.