At the center of any healthy body and active lifestyle, are healthy joints. Joint health is a key element in our overall body health condition. It has a profound effect on our mobility and how we lead our lives. Improving and sustaining our joint health can help to greatly increase our quality of life and independence as we age.

Improving our joint health does not have to be a long and arduous task. While there are many stretches we can combine with our regular workout routines to improve flexibility and mobility, one of the simplest and most time effective ways to boost joint health is by improving our diet.

There are many foods, which can provide the necessary health benefits to keep our joints in excellent condition as well as provide us with a number of other health benefits. Here we have detailed six foods to help you along the way to healthier joints.

Berries

A wide range of berries stand out as highly beneficial foods to add to your diet when seeking to improve joint health. Added to this, they usually taste great and add a fantastic flavor to several dishes. The major benefit in most berries comes from the fact they are jam packed full of antioxidants.

These powerful antioxidants, are found in great supply in, blueberries and cherries especially, can help in reducing inflammation around the body. In turn, this helps to improve blood flow. Improving blood flow is key to healthy joints. The increased flow improves joint stimulation, helping to prevent a buildup of tension and rigidity in the joints.

The positive effect of berries in reducing inflammation, especially in the case of blueberries, has been noted in several pieces of research. Berry extract supplements or tart cherry juice are also a convenient way of introducing these nutrients to your body.

Nuts & Seeds

Nuts and seeds have been shown to have a very positive effect on overall joint health. Another convenient food, which you can add to almost any dish throughout your day.

Besides being a wholesome and nutritious addition, both are rich in omega-3 and particularly the acid ALA, which is derived from omega-3. This is a precursor to the EPA and DHA fatty acids contained in some fish and omega-3 capsules.

ALA is converted by the body to produce the same wonderful benefits as the other acids. These include measurable anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to lower cholesterol as well as relieve hypertension. Regardless of source, Omega-3 is a vital supplement which we should introduce to our diet plans in any way possible.

Carrots

Carrots are a divisive vegetable. We either love them or loath them. It remains true though that they are especially good for us. This is something you have likely heard for years from parents and grandparents alike. Indeed, for joint health too, research shows the benefits to be reaped from the orange vegetable we all love to hate.

Carrots and other orange vegetables are given their orange pigmentation by a compound called beta-cryptoxanthin. While being a mouthful, this is actually extremely beneficial in the reduction of inflammation. The end result being of great help in improving our joint health. Great news for those who followed the advice from childhood, though it is never too late to start.

Turmeric

The medicinal use or this spice was actually discovered many centuries ago. In fact, it is still widely used in oriental medicine thanks to its variety of helpful properties. One such property is anti-inflammatory.

Due to the moving nature of our joints, they are often afflicted by inflammation. This could be caused by any of the most common joint injuries or through the onset of conditions such as knee osteoarthritis as we age. Relieving this inflammation can greatly increase mobility in our joints and open the door to a healthier, pain free lifestyle.

Broccoli

This is another vegetable the sight of which can cause squirming from a potential diner. While the taste may indeed be an acquired one, the health benefits derived from broccoli are becoming clearer. Recent research indicated that broccoli, along with several other green vegetables, can act to inhibit the development of certain inflammatory cells.

This is wonderful news for our joints and arthritis sufferers alike, provided we are getting enough of this little green giant. By blocking the growth of such cells, the development of many joint degenerating conditions can be slowed and managed more favorably. This can only be of benefit to our future joint health.

Ginger Extract

Ginger is the food equivalent of a handyman. A true jack-of-all trades, it has long been heralded as the solution to everything from motion sickness to bone injuries. Indeed research proves our faith in ginger extract to be well placed.

Ginger is shown to both reduce blood pressure and relieve muscle and joint pain by reducing inflammation. This is in combination with the host of other benefits which make ginger a worth addition to our diet. If you have trouble getting your hands on some fresh ginger root, there are many top quality supplements on the market which will be just as effective.

Final Thoughts

It is very clear from our observations that there are a variety of foods that can assist us on our journey to healthier joints. These are simple additions which we can make to our everyday diets. The benefits we can garner from making these small alterations however are sustained and clear to feel.

While there are a variety of other ways in which we can improve our joint mobility and health, change always begins with a first step. The most efficient method by which we can begin working toward healthier joints, less injuries and a more active, mobile future is to incorporate some of these foods into our lives. As our age advances, dividend will be paid through a more independent and pain free living.