Three of the best store-bought spices for arthritis and they're all under £1

From getsurrey.co.uk

Can the food you eat help with arthritis? Experts certainly say so, and have revealed three spices that can help reduce inflammation and provide additional health benefits

Arthritis affects millions of people throughout the UK - and while it may be associated with older people, it impacts people of all ages, including children. The condition causes joint pain and inflammation, and the two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

We all know that our diet plays a key role in our overall health, but experts have explained that certain foods can also help reduce inflammation and manage disease activity.

                                                     Some spices have been praised for their abilities to help reduce inflammation

“I think people are often surprised at what a great anti-inflammatory source spices can be. But the more anti-inflammatory foods and spices you eat, the more you are tamping down on chronic inflammation,” dietitian Kim Larson, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, told the Arthritis Foundation.

Cayenne

Cayenne peppers contain capsaicinoids, natural compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. Mount Sinai medical centre explains that capsaicin is known for its “powerful, pain-relieving properties” and is recommended for treating osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as joint or muscle pain caused by fibromyalgia or other conditions. However, it says that it should not be given to children under two.

The spice also contains vitamins A and C and flavonoids and carotenoids, which have antioxidant properties.

The Arthritis Foundation recommends adding just a dash or two to dishes at first, as chilies can be hot. Cayenne pepper is available in spice jars in most supermarkets and can be picked up in Aldi for 65p.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acids, which have antioxidant properties that help inhibit cell damage by free radicals, the Arthritis Foundation explains.

Arthritis Society Canada states that research has shown some “promising results with cinnamon supplementation in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress”. However, more research is needed to fully determine the extent of the effectiveness of the spice on inflammation.

You could try adding cinnamon to baked goods, or dishes like oatmeal. Nuffield Health suggests cooking oats with a sprinkle of the spice before topping with fresh fruit and nuts for a nutritious breakfast.

Ginger

                                                                                                                          (Image: Getty Images)

Ginger contains chemicals gingerols and shogaols, which are bioactive compounds known for their health benefits. The root has anti-inflammatory properties, and some studies have suggested that it can reduce osteoarthritis symptoms, though others are less convinced. Johns Hopkins explains that ginger contains more than 400 natural compounds and more studies are needed to see if eating it has any impact on conditions like arthritis or respiratory inflammation.

Ginger can be added to both sweet and savoury dishes, the Arthritis Foundation says. You can boil it into a tea or add it to smoothies or dishes like stir-fried. Ginger can either be bought in root form from the produce section of supermarkets, or in ground form with the other spices.

https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/health/three-best-store-bought-spices-31426335