HOW EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL IS EXTRACTED FROM OLIVES

evoo

The History of Making the Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil, EVOO

Archaeological evidence has found that extra virgin olive oil was produced as early as 4000 BC.  EVOO was also widely used in lamps, food and for medicinal purposes such as treating skin problems.

The people of Crete were the first in Europe to tame the olive tree.  The people of the villages would get together to gather the olives and this tradition has been passed down from generation to generation to this day. 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil was particularly important for diet and the gathering was a family tradition.  Hence it formed part of the Greek culture.  The use of olive oil in the Cretan diet can be dated back for centuries….

extra virgin olive oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil was a symbol of the Greek cultural tradition and throughout all the regions of the Mediterranean.  The Ancient Greek Olympic champions received a Laurel Wreath made from an olive branch.  Even today, some families still extract EVOO the traditional way, however larger producers store their EVOO yield in huge stainless-steel vats.

  The fruit and the longevity of the tree are paramount for best quality olives and good yields.  Extra Virgin Olive Oil still forms the base of the Cretan diet.

Traditional Evoo Extraction

The olives are struck with a long stick and fall into a hessian cloth where they are collected one-by-one by hand.

Olive trees take about 5 years before they start fruiting and about 8 years to bear olives good enough for making the best olive oil.  Different varieties are grown in different regions for their variation in size, shape, color, and flavor.  

Blending different flavors after extraction introduces differences in lightness, denseness, color, and flavor.  Individual varieties of olive trees produce these differences because it depends very much on the varying combinations of phenolic, polyphenols and other compounds.  

Extracting Good Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Good quality extra virgin olive oil, EVOO needs to have these naturally occurring all-important aroma and flavour compounds to achieve balance and tone.  It is these compounds that make Extra Virgin Olive Oil good for you.  Different areas have differing amounts and produce different types of olive oil, influenced by their location and the surrounding plants.

Olive trees grow best in the Mediterranean climate.  The olive trees are planted with 15 feet spacing to allow for an open-center canopy.  

Self-pollinating trees and different varieties are planted side by side as this allows for a more fruitful harvest.

When the olives are ready for harvesting, different methods are used so as not to damage the olives.  The traditional method is by hand or by long poles to shake the branches, or with a hand-held combing rake.

These methods allow the fruit to gently drop to the ground into a large hessian-type cloth, where it is then sorted for leaves, sticks or debris.

The best quality olives are placed into sacks or containers.  On the same day of harvest, olives must be taken for extraction as the oil will be at its freshest.  Then the olives are sorted and are ready to be crushed.

The olives are crushed in an olive press by a mill stone.  In the past, granite wheels were used to press the olives.  The stone rolls in circles on a slab of granite, to grind the olives into a paste.  

The paste is then placed onto folded individual bags that are placed together to form a cylinder stack.

Each bag contains approximately 6 kg of paste.  As the piston pushes up against the stack, the oil seeps slowly out whilst the residue remains inside the bags.  In more modern times the paste has been spread onto synthetic fiber disks.  

The final step of extraction is separating the oil from the water mixture.  The oil is then transferred to a centrifuge that uses high speed to separate any traces of remaining water.  

The oil is then tasted, sent for analysis to test, or create the different blends.  It is blended for lightness, taste and to create unique aroma blends.

The extra virgin olive oil is stored in stainless steel and food-graded barrels or, for larger amounts, in larger stainless-steel vats.

evoo
EVOO food

Read more about the health benefits of Cold Pressed Olive Oil…..

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Health benefits of turmeric

turmeric curcumin

Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine and traditional medicine. It contains a compound called curcumin, which has been shown to have many potential health benefits. Some of the benefits of turmeric include:

  1. Anti-inflammatory properties: Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent and can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with many chronic diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.
  2. Antioxidant properties: Curcumin also has strong antioxidant properties, which can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
  3. Pain relief: Turmeric may help relieve pain, particularly in conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
  4. Improved brain function: Some studies suggest that curcumin may improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
  5. Improved heart health: Curcumin may help improve heart health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are risk factors for heart disease.
  6. Potential cancer-fighting properties: Some studies suggest that curcumin may have anti-cancer properties and could help prevent or treat certain types of cancer.

We are all looking for better nutrition food choices that will improve our overall health and wellbeing.  The unobtrusive turmeric root vegetable can play a very important role, with its powerful antioxidant benefits.

turmeric natural anti-inflammatory
Turmeric Root

TURMERIC can be bought fresh and looks like this with a characteristic orange colour…

Turmeric has within it, a highly concentrated compound called curcumin.  Curcumin has antioxidant properties that can dramatically treat inflammation and swelling in joint and muscle tissues along with fatty build-ups.  These inflammatory build-ups within these vital organs can cause many underlying hidden problems within the body and this may lead to cancer, heart disease, obesity, liver disease, Alzheimer’s disease and skin infections.

7 Health Benefits of Turmeric

1 Turmeric has significant antiinflammatory benefits and may assist greatly in supporting heart health by reducing heart disease and heart attacks.  To maintain optimum health, it’s very important to eat more whole fruit and vegetables in the diet, along with fresh herbs and spices such as turmeric to help fight against inflammation in the body, brought on by overindulgence or bad heating habits.

2 Turmeric’s other main benefit is to support healthy joints and mobility.  It may assist against swelling and inflamed joints due to its many antiinflammatory benefits.

3 Turmeric is full of antioxidants that helps fight free radicals in the body, which is the key for the body to stay healthy and youthful.

4 Turmeric has a significant effect on helping in regulating mood and depression

5 Turmeric can aid in reducing joint pain.  Its antiinflammatory, antioxidant benefits and anti-bacterial benefits may aid in the treatment of skin and wound conditions, digestive issues, aches and pains and joint arthritis due to its healing properties.

6 Turmeric has an active ingredient, curcumin, which plays a vital role in promoting natural anti- inflammatory properties. The plant compounds in curcumin and turmeric, according to many health experts, may provide improvement in the regulation of obesity, body fat issues and reduce the risks of heart disease.

7 Turmeric may also improve fungal issues and may protect against liver stresses.

What is Turmeric?

The turmeric root is a versatile root vegetable packed with lots of flavour along with endless healthy benefits. The fresh turmeric root is bright orange in color and is a member of the ginger family.

turmeric powder
Turmeric Powder

Turmeric has been widely used throughout India and China for centuries.  Turmeric is a popular golden spice and the key component in turmeric is curcumin.  Both have proven natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the body.  

Curcumin

Curcumin is the golden yellow pigment that is present in turmeric and this gives it the distinctive colour and flavour.  For many centuries, curcumin has been widely used in traditional medicine, playing a major role in the prevention and treatment of many inflammatory diseases.  Curcumin gives turmeric its natural anti-inflammatory benefits.

By increasing turmeric and curcumin in some people’s diet, many studies have shown improvements in these people suffering from health conditions such as obesity, liver stress, diabetics and heart disease.  Turmeric has been shown to reduce inflammation, cholesterol and blood sugar as well as reducing bacterial diseases and fungal issues by its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Eating Turmeric for Health

turmeric supplements
Ground Turmeric

Turmeric and curcumin can be taken as a root vegetable in a powder form or as a tablet supplement.  Turmeric is a spice which adds a wonderful enhancement to many delicious curry meals by its distinctive color, flavour and taste.  Its many health properties and benefits aid in the body’s overall good health.

Turmeric can be a wonderful extra healthy addition to your diet, grated and a small amount added to oil in a pan along with added pepper or peppercorns as these aid the body’s ability to digest it more easily.  Look for a spice blend that includes peppercorns as well.  (When cooking, watch out for the shirt-staining effect on your clothes as it can be very difficult to remove, so best use something protective, like an apron).

How to use Turmeric

Add this health-boosting turmeric spice to your salads, potatoes omelettes, soups and teas.

The turmeric root can be grated and fried lightly in oil and used as a spice added to curries, sauces and meat dishes.  Turmeric powder is readily available in the spice section of supermarket stores, along with many other wonderful spices such as cinnamon and ginger.

Turmeric supplements and tablets are also readily available in health stores.  Always seek advice on how to take these, how many, how often and with food or without. Always read the labels.

gplden milk
Golden Milk hot drink

Turmeric is the main ingredient in “Golden Milk”. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to use turmeric in your diet and take advantage of turmeric s health benefits, mixing turmeric and milk together makes a delicious Golden Milk drink. Try it, you will love it.

 Read more about…. the Benefits of adding Golden Milk to your Diet. …

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF GOLDEN MILK

turmeric milk

One of the best ways to utilise turmeric as a natural nutrient is to include it as the main ingredient in what has become known as “Golden Milk”.  Golden milk is also referred to as Turmeric Milk which in the past was only drunk in India.  Turmeric is loaded with health benefits and is becoming more popular.  Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory food and turmeric powder is one of several natural remedies.  Turmeric supplements are often used as a home anti-inflammatory treatment.  

Golden Milk

Turmeric and milk can be mixed as a creamy hot milk drink, that is both delicious and packed full of nutrients.  Golden milk originated in India but is fast becoming a very popular drink in western nations because it is one of several natural remedies for inflammation and also has many other health benefits.  Besides its natural anti-inflammatory benefits, turmeric also contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals.  Free radicals adversely alter proteins, lipids and DNA, which can in turn trigger many diseases within the body.  Therefore, turmeric’s natural antioxidants play a very important role in combating and perhaps managing human diseases, by helping to prevent cell damage. 

The best way to access these powerful nutrients is by drinking Golden Milk.

Golden Milk is a super-healthy beverage that is soothing and relaxing and may be taken 2 or 3 times per week.  Because of golden milk’s many important health benefits, its popularity is increasing worldwide.  Golden milk is used for its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant benefits.  It aids in warding off joint pain, chronic diseases, cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s and is beneficial in helping fight many other diseases and their symptoms.

How to Make Golden Milk

To make golden milk, just warm up plant-based or dairy milk and add in turmeric powder. You can have it by itself or simply add in other great spices such as ginger and/or cinnamon to taste. (See recipe below )

Golden milk has so many benefits to the body. As mentioned, it is well known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits including immune strengthening properties.  Golden milk is also well known for its anti-fungal benefits which helps reduce infections but helps increase the immune strength.  The ingredients in golden milk aid in fighting off fungal problems with its antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Many people these days have reduced their intake of calcium rich milk, thus putting strain on bone strength, which increases the risk of bone disease.  However, by taking golden milk, including dairy milk, which is rich in calcium and Vitamin D, the drink can greatly contribute to stronger bones and reduce the chance of developing osteopenia and osteoporosis.   By taking more enriched good quality cow’s milk rather than plant-based milks, it will strengthen the skeletal frame, warding off injuries and disease.  However, many people prefer to use plant-based products such as coconut, almond or cashew milks.  These are just as delicious and creamy but have other benefits. 

Golden milk is easy to make at home.

AN EASY WAY TO MAKE GOLDEN MILK

Ingredients

120ml or 1/2 cup of milk of choice unsweetened

1 tsp of turmeric

A pinch of black pepper {which helps the body absorb the curcumin}

grated ginger
Grated Ginger

Sprinkle 1/2 tsp of cinnamon powder, a natural anti-inflammatory

1 small piece of grated ginger or 1/2 tsp ginger powder

1 pinch of ground black pepper

1 tsp of sweetness honey or maple syrup {optional}

Instructions:

  • Pour milk into a small saucepan, add all the ingredients.
  • Mix all ingredients and slowly bring to the boil, reducing the heat to a simmer for 10 mins or until aroma.
  • Stir and allow the flavours to blend.
  • Simply use a fine strainer to pour the golden milk into mugs, adding a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a wonderful drink.
Golden Milk
Golden Milk (Turmeric Milk)

Golden milk will keep for 5 days in a refrigerator, then simply reheat and serve.

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8 Benefits of Golden Milk

1.         Packed with natural anti-inflammatory properties, Golden Milk may aid in chronic diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and heart disease and may play an important role in lowering the risk.   These anti-inflammatory properties may also improve joint pain.

2.         Golden Milk is loaded with antioxidants that aid cell function and may help in fighting against infections.  They may also lower the risks of diseases and skin related issues. The antioxidants may prevent and fight infections.

3.         Turmeric, with its active curcumin properties, may aid greatly in helping reduce depression symptoms and may aid those with mood imbalance.  Studies are ongoing in this area of health.

4.         The curcumin in golden milk, along with cinnamon and ginger combined, may also play an important role in improving and maintaining brain and memory function.  These may reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.  Studies are continuing in the area of difficulties around the brain and memory functions.

5.         Unsweetened golden milk with added ginger and cinnamon may also aid in the reduction of blood sugar levels.

6.         May greatly protect against heart disease by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  Ginger, cinnamon and turmeric, the key ingredients in Golden Milk, may help lower cholesterol.   The curcumin in turmeric may improve blood vessel lining function.

7.         Drinking turmeric and milk along with food may contribute to a stronger bone structure as Golden Milk is rich in Vitamin D and Calcium which in turn helps in maintaining calcium levels.  These bone strengthening benefits have a greater chance of reducing the risks of osteoporosis and other bone diseases.

8.         Golden Milk has immune boosting functions with its antibacterial and antiviral properties aiding against the common cold.  Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may aid in strengthening the immune system. The compounds in ginger and cinnamon may also help respiratory infections.

Read more Best Nutrition Tips

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Health Benefits

EVOO

HEALTH BENEFITS OF EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL – EVOO

Many of the regular oils available for cooking are invariably stripped of the very important antioxidants and vital nutrients the body requires for optimum good health. The benefits of extra virgin olive oil are enormous because EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) is extracted from the olive fruit tree without any chemical extraction at all … and no involvement of heating either.

To label a bottle of olive oil as Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Cold Pressed) or (First Cold Pressed) is significant as the oil must be of the highest grade.  It means the olives were extracted only once and at a temperature that didn’t exceed of 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.6 degrees Celsius). This ensures EVOO has the best possible aromas and flavours and retains all of the natural richness and earthiness possible.  Cold pressed olive oil is full of all the essential antioxidants and nutrients possible, for optimum health benefits.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is the highest quality olive oil available. 

The quality of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, EVOO. is measured by the composition of monounsaturated fatty acids and also the phenolic compounds found within the Extra Virgin Oil.  It’s these two compounds that give Extra Virgin Olive Oil benefits for health. It is referred to as evoo food, and many people use it in cooking.  Extra virgin olive oil is, in essence, cold pressed olive oil.  It is widely known for its outstanding major health benefits.  The olives are extracted from the olive grove fruit trees by hand or by shaking the branches lightly, causing the olives to fall, without any chemical or heating production involved.

Those who have long lived along The Mediterranean Coastal regions have been found to have a far lower rates of heart disease. It has been concluded that a diet that is well balanced and includes a higher level of Extra Virgin Olive Oil EVOO may have a dramatic effect on their cardiovascular heart health.

The key message is that those who consume higher levels of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in their diet have a far greater likelihood of lowering their chances of heart disease compared to those who consume a far lesser amount.

EVOO, Extra Virgin Olive Oil has many health promoting benefits.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil has very powerful cardio-protective properties that help to lower blood pressure and may also help in preventing hardening of the arteries.

Therefore, by simply adding higher amounts of Extra Virgin Olive Oil to your diet regularly, you will gain significant health benefits.

6 Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1. Antioxidant benefits may fight against heart disease

Extra Virgin Olive Oil contains large amounts of powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation in the body.  It also may help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure which in turn may reduce the risks of heart disease

2. Anti-inflammatory benefits for Rheumatoid Arthritis

As we age, inflammation can build up in the joints due to recreational activities, causing many sports injuries and joint cartilage damage.  The general wear and tear in everyday life… lifting, straining, stretching, and sitting, all put extra stress and strain on knee, back, hand and finger joints… in fact on all the different parts of the body’s joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis can be very painful.   Studies have been made on the benefits of combining omega-3 fish oil with Extra Virgin olive oil as it may help in reducing inflammation for arthritis sufferers.  If you suffer from arthritis, you may wish to consult with your doctor about adding to your diet supplements of omega-3 fatty acids, along with small amounts of EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil), as it may improve inflammation.

3. Monounsaturated fat benefits helping reduce strokes

Extra Virgin Olive Oil has monounsaturated fat properties which may help lower the risk of blood clotting and may help with prevention of stroke or lower the risk of stroke.

4. May lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes

It is often recommended that diabetics adopt a Mediterranean Diet lifestyle as this could result in better health results by exploiting the benefits of EVOO, Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The Phenolic compounds in Extra Virgin Olive Oil may even help protect against getting Type 2 diabetes.  They may also help diabetics manage glucose metabolism for those who have insulin sensitivities.  So, it may be beneficial for diabetes sufferers to have a higher intake of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in their diet.  

5. May help protect against certain cancers

Extra Virgin Olive Oil may play an important protective role in certain cancers.  It has been found that those who consume greater amounts of Extra Virgin Olive Oil are at lower risk than others who don’t.  This may be due to its unique Oleacanthal properties.

Oleocanthal is a phenylethanoid, or a type of natural phenolic compound found in extra-virgin olive oil.  It has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

6. May protect against risks of Brain disease

Extra Virgin Olive Oil’s phenolic properties may protect the brain against Alzheimer’s and age-related diseases.  It is suggested that a Mediterranean Diet with a higher level of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) may help fight against cognitive function decline, and memory loss.


Read more about …HOW EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL IS EXTRACTED FROM THE OLIVE

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HEALTH BENEFITS OF GINGER

Benefits of ginger

Ginger is one of the most delicious foods, packed with nutrients and the health benefits of ginger are well known. Ginger benefits the whole body.

Ginger is an underground rhizome that is native to Asia and generally referred to as ginger root or just ginger. It has been used widely for its powerful medicinal properties and used historically in both traditional and alternative medicine.  

Eating raw Ginger

Its medicinal properties have been used for centuries as a spice in food and for its well-known natural healing benefits.

Ginger is commonly used in cooking as a spice, along with other spices. It is related to turmeric and they are often used together in drinks, curries and other foods.

Ginger for Sore Throat

The powerful medicinal benefits of ginger on the body are amazing.  It is one of the traditional herbs that is very versatile because it is used both as a culinary spice and as a remarkable herbal remedy. It can be taken raw, or as a powder, added to foods, drinks and also taken as a supplement.


9 Health Benefits of Ginger

The health benefits of ginger are remarkable…

1.    Relieves Nausea

Throughout history ginger has been commonly used for digestion problems… bloating,  nausea and other digestive issues. By drinking ginger tea with a slice of lemon and perhaps or a small amount of honey if needed, prior to travelling, it may alleviate travel nausea.  Ginger is especially helpful for morning sickness also.

2.    Alleviates Muscle and Joint Pain

Reduces Muscle and joint pain by its anti-inflammatory properties.  Ginger has been well known for aiding in joint stiffness and the pain of inflamed muscles, along with arthritis problems.

3.    Reduces Menstrual Problems

Menstrual cramps or discomfort may be relieved by taking ginger for the first few days of a woman’s cycle. Drinking a cup of ginger tea and a small dash of honey may ease the symptoms.

4.    Alleviates Inflammation

benefits of ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory benefits for arthritis and osteoarthritis sufferers due to its powerful medicinal properties.   It has been widely used as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant spice.  Therefore, drinking ginger tea on a regular basis may help to alleviate inflammation, along with providing the health benefits of adding it to your overall diet.

5.    Improves Blood Circulation

Ginger may also help in lowering blood sugar levels, which in turn decreases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and blood clots.  Ginger aids in restoring normal blood circulation and may also help to lower a person’s cholesterol level.

6.    Fights Against infection

ginger for colds

Ginger may assist in fighting infection because of the active compound gingerol in fresh ginger.  It may also fight against the risks of infection as it can inhibit against some bacteria.

7.    Strengthens Immunity

Ginger’s medicinal properties have been used for helping combat the common cold. It helps fight respiratory bacterial viruses, coughs and flu-type symptoms, keeping them at bay.  Ginger alsohas high levels of powerful antioxidants which may help improve the overall immune system and alleviate the common cold and other flu-like infections.

8.    Improves Brain Function

Fresh ginger may also help improve memory and cognitive abilities.  The antioxidant properties in ginger may protect and improve brain reaction speed and memory. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also help improve brain disorders including anxiety and depression and protect against brain ageing or brain fog issues.

9.    Helps Improve Digestion

Adding ginger for stomach and heartburn upsets may be effective in relieving those symptoms.

How to Use Ginger

Ginger can be used in a powder form or lightly grated into foods, mixed in teas and drinks where it can be more easily digested.

The ginger root is a very versatile vegetable and the benefits of ginger in your diet are impressive.  It can be bought fresh cut, grated or bought as ginger powder and added to many different dishes.  Stews, curries and teas will all have added flavour, along with all the health benefits of ginger.

GINGER TEA BENEFITS

Ginger Tea Benefits

Ginger has long been known and tried for its Ginger Tea Benefits

Ginger is a rhizome that is packed with powerful bacterial, anti-inflammatory benefits along with antioxidant properties.  Ginger can be eaten in so many different ways, with the ginger root itself raw, or as ground ginger powder for cooking, pickled ginger by itself, as a ginger shot or as ginger chews.  However, by simply adding ginger to your diet, you will reap the health benefits of ginger.

Read more about… GINGER TEA BENEFITS

NUTRITION FOR JOINT PAIN

Nutrition can play an important role in alleviating Joint Pain

One of the most common types of joint pain is knee pain… and one of the most common types of knee pain is called patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) or simply patellofemoral syndrome.  It is often referred to as “runner’s knee” but could just as easily be called “sitter’s knee” as it often affects people who sit for a living, such as office workers. In fact, almost anyone can develop patellofemoral pain syndrome.  The actual causes of PFPS are unknown but any exercise that minimises stress on the knee can be effective in reducing the pain and this would include knee exercises in pools.

healthy foods
Foods good for joint health

Eating a healthy, nutrition-based diet that includes healthy fats (several servings per week), along with plant-based fruits and vegetables may help reduce some of the symptoms of knee joint pain such as arthritis pain, as well as “Runners Knee” syndrome.

NUTRITION AND JOINT PAIN

The symptoms of arthritis in the joints are stiffness and swelling of the joints.  As we age, we may have experienced stiffness in the joints due to normal wear and tear, accidents, knocks or falls.  Joint trauma, stress and strain or just simply the everyday effects of use of the joints.

In terms of nutrition to help relieve joint pain, we must look at the natural health benefits in the foods that cause inflammation of joints and also the foods that help arthritis.

WHAT ARE THE FOODS THAT CAUSE INFLAMMATION OF JOINTS?

Regardless of whether you have some type of arthritis, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis it is very important to pay close attention to your diet for the foods that cause inflammation of joints.

Eating many of the highly processed foods such as candies, soda, ice cream, crackers, breads, pasta and meats means that you are consuming foods that inflame joints.  Inflammation can lead to physical pain in the knees and joints and other parts of the body.  Often these heavily processed foods that cause joint pain, such aschips and margarine, also contain trans-fats which raise the bad cholesterol levels (LDL) that are associated with other diseases like stroke and heart disease.  These are foods that inflame joints.

The foods that cause inflammation of joints in the body are often readily available on the supermarket shelves, with misleading labels. This is where the natural goodness is often replaced or altered in some way and replaced by high levels of salt, sugar and other additives.  These additives are often for the purpose of longer shelf life and products are frequently labelled as healthy foods, such as “low-fat” or “diet food”.  However, these labels are somewhat misleading as they may be foods that inflame joints.  If you suffer from arthritis, you need to avoid foods that cause joint pain at all cost.

Foods to avoid are the foods that contain unnatural chemical additives. These are foods not to eat with arthritis, otherwise joint pain stiffness may occur as a result.  They can be foods that help arthritis inflammation develop and therefore will exacerbate joint pain.

WHAT ARE THE BEST FOODS THAT ARE GOOD FOR YOUR JOINTS?

The Mediterranean diet has many benefits not only to health and lifestyle, but the diet also includes beneficial foods that are good for your joints.  The Mediterranean Diet is based on eating whole plant-based foods such as fish and seafood, fruit, vegetables, legumes and grains, none of which are refined.

The choices are clear, choosing a plant-based diet, or a Mediterranean diet has many benefits. 

These are the most beneficial foods for sore muscles and joints…

OILY FISH such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines are all high in the essential omega-3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties and are excellent foods for joint health.  Omega-3 fatty acids help to protect and reduce inflammation in the body.

Salmon

CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES such as broccoli, cauliflower and kale and are all foods that are good for your joints.  These foods are excellent foods for joint health because they are high in sulphoraphane which possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Cruciferous vegetables are foods that help with joint inflammation and reduce the symptoms of arthritis.

Broccoli and Cauliflower

BLUEBERRIES are full of vitamins, minerals and huge amounts of antioxidant anti-inflammatory nutrients.  Strawberries, blackberries and blueberries are all great foods that help arthritis and are all beneficial foods for joint health.

Berries

GINGER AND TURMERIC SPICES are well known for blocking inflammatory pathways in the body. These blocking properties inhibit cell damage and may be beneficial foods for joint pain sufferers.

Recipe for Chicken Broth with Ginger and Turmeric

Ginger and Turmeric

CINNAMON also has high level of anti-inflammatory properties that may help relieve the symptoms of joint pain. Honey and cinnamon are beneficial foods that help arthritis.  One tablespoon of honey with one stick of cinnamon and one cup of warm water, mixed together may be a healing drink to include in your diet to treat arthritis symptoms

Cinnamon and Honey

AVOCADOS are a healthy choice of foods for joint health.  Avocados have high anti-inflammatory monounsaturated fatsand are an important food to include in your diet to treat arthritis joint pain.

what are essential nutrients
sources of nutrients

VITAMIN C FOODS such as oranges, red bell peppers and green leafy vegetable are excellent sources of vitamin C and can help protect and block inflammation in joints. These are good choices to eat often in your diet to treat arthritis.

Citrus Fruits

Arthritis Diet

Read more about Foods That Help Boost The Immune System