Could help four million Canadians who suffer from condition
(NC)-A recent study shows that the nutrients found in tart cherries may help ease pain caused from arthritis, the world’s most common chronic condition affecting almost four million Canadians.
For decades, arthritis and gout sufferers have leveraged the power of tart cherries, commonly available in juice, frozen and dried forms, to soothe some of their symptoms, but now there is scientific research backing up this anecdotal evidence.
Research conducted at Michigan State University found tart cherries to be the richest source of anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory properties similar to those of common pain relief medications.
“Tart cherries contain a significant and unique combination of antioxidants that aren’t commonly found in other fruits,” says registered dietitian Lisa Weinberg. “The compounds found in tart cherries appear to have potent anti-inflammatory benefits, which may be particularly valuable for those suffering from joint pain.”
For those who suffer from arthritis, living with chronic pain can have an impact on their quality of life, affecting everything from regular daily activities to sleeping. Though the cause of arthritis is still unknown, living a healthy lifestyle that includes maintaining a healthy weight through eating well and staying physically active can help decrease one’s risk of developing arthritis.
“Having a healthy diet rich in vitamins and nutrients that includes lots of fruits and vegetables can help decrease one’s risk of developing a number of health problems,” says Weinberg. “The deep red pigments found in tart cherries contain loads of powerful antioxidants that may be useful in preventing arthritis and gout, as well as a number of other heart and cardiovascular problems.”
Aside from diet, exercise is another key component to maintaining a healthy weight, which in turn may help keep the pain caused from arthritis to a minimum. Regular exercise helps restore and preserve flexibility and strength, and protects joints from further damage. Though it can sometimes be difficult for those suffering from arthritis to regularly participate in physical activity, it is important to keep up and enjoy physical activities on both good and bad days. Water exercises are known to be the exercise of choice for many arthritis sufferers because it does not put strain on the body’s muscles or joints.
With September being National Arthritis Month in Canada, it is important to raise awareness about this condition that affects so many and to continue to find ways to help alleviate the pain caused as a result of this condition. More information about arthritis can be found online at the www.arthritis.ca site. Further information on the benefits of cherries is available online at www.choosecherries.com.
Credit: www.newscanada.com
