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Superfoods For Your Joints

Superfoods for your joints are highest in bromelain and anthocyanins. Bromelain is an enzyme found only in pineapple that researchers believe may reduce inflammation, swelling and acts as a “clean up agent,” digesting dead cells to help injuries heal more smoothly. Anthocyanins found in cherries have been shown to contain anti-inflammatory properties, through inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) activities and scavenging of the reactive nitric oxide (NO) radical. In addition, cherry consumption has been shown to reduce levels of plasma urate and may therefore be beneficial in reducing the risk of gout – an inflammatory form of arthritis resulting from the build up of painful urate crystals in joints and toes in particular.

Meets Superfood Joints Criteria

To be labeled a Superfood for your Joints, one serving* must contain significant anti-inflammatory protein digesting enzymes OR high amounts of anthocyanins with scientific evidence to support a positive study concerning the effects of the superfood on joint health.

• Protein Digesting Enzymes  Thiol proteases, such as bromelain from pineapples, are enzymes that researchers believe may reduce inflammation, swelling and acts as a “clean-up agent,” digesting dead cells to help injuries heal more smoothly.

• Anthocyanins Anthocyanins have been shown to contain anti-inflammatory properties, through inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) activities and scavenging of the reactive nitric oxide (NO) radical.

EXAMPLES

Included: Pineapple, the sole source of bromelain a protein digesting enzyme.

Excluded: Blueberries, although very high in anthocyanins, they do not yet have any positive clinical studies linking them to positive affects on joint health.

*Serving size needs to comply with published NLEA serving sizes or USDA reference amounts for particular foods.