Help Knees Feel Better with This Fruit
Creaky knees? Maybe snacking on these every day could help bring a little comfort: grapes.
The resveratrol in grapes has long been heralded for its heart-healthy properties. But the same compound may also help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, writes Joseph Maroon, MD, in his book The Longevity Factor.
The Latest News
No one is suggesting that resveratrol will ever replace pain pills. But results from several early studies show that the compound could someday have a place in joint care. In fact, in a recent study, researchers found that injections of resveratrol helped soothe inflamed joints in animals. And while it's not clear how much dietary resveratrol would be needed to help arthritis, grapes and grape juice have lots of other health-promoting qualities, so adding them to your diet certainly can't hurt. (What's your JointAge? Find out how old your knees, hips, and hands are with this quick quiz.)
How It Works
Resveratrol stops inflammation the same way aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do -- by inhibiting the molecular switch that turns inflammation on and off in the body. Still hurting despite taking your pain meds and supplements? In addition to grapes, here are some other foods that might help ease arthritis symptoms.
And try these other tips and tricks for soothing creaky knees:
- From breakfast to dinner, make meals that your knees will love. Check out these recipes full of osteoarthritis-fighting ingredients.
- Protect your knees. Discover what habits you should kick to the curb for the sake of your knees.
Previously published on 07/15/2010
