More than 50 million Americans are impacted by the disease that is arthritis, making it the number one cause of disability in the country. Each year, May is recognized as National Arthritis Awareness Month in an effort to gain attention and additional funding for the disease.
Holly Clegg, a long-time guest chef for The Food Channel, is an expert in the topic of joint-friendly nutrition and maintaining a healthy diet for arthritis sufferers. Holly’s cookbook, Eating Well to Fight Arthritis, is packed full of easy and healthy recipes and, along with the video above, gives tips and ingredients to maintain joint-friendly health.
Stay tuned for parts 2, 3, and 4 of Holly’s National Arthritis Awareness Month blogs!
Here are a few tips to keep in mind from Holly Clegg’s blog, with many more in the video above:
Keep Spinach on Hand for its Versatility in Cooking
Spinach helps inflammation in the joints because it is a green leafy vegetable that is packed with the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and K. Popeye says spinach makes you strong, but we know it’s important to add to your diet for arthritis sufferers. Spinach leaves are versatile foods that help inflammation.
I always have spinach on hand to add to whatever I am making whether a recipe calls for it or not. You could toss spinach with mixed greens and I like to use the baby spinach because it is a little more tender. Add spinach to pasta, pizza or soup – the list is endless!
What to Add to Your Diet for Arthritis Sufferers? Bell Peppers!
The second ingredient to add to your diet for arthritis sufferers is bell peppers. I think peppers are one of the best-kept secrets. Did you know that peppers are one of the best sources of vitamin C?
Deconstructed Stuffed Pepper Bake by Holly Clegg
They are good for your immune system and they are packed with those anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Just a half a cup of red bell pepper gives you a full days supply of vitamin C like this delectable easy healthy dinner Stuffed Pepper Bake. I add peppers, just like I do spinach, to whatever I am making.
Blueberries Are So Yummy & Versatile
For my last joint friendly food, I had to go with my favorite fruit, blueberries. Blueberries have been touted as a superfood, and they are. Blueberries top the charts in antioxidants protecting the body from inflammation.
For more information, visit Holly’s blog, The Healthy Cooking Blog.
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