The purine content in bananas is low, potassium, magnesium and abundant antioxidants help fight inflammation and reduce joint pain.
Bananas have many nutrients and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are good for health. According to the Food Data Center, US Department of Agriculture, ingredients in bananas include fiber, calcium, potassium, magnesium, protein, vitamins B and C, and zinc.
There are many types of arthritis that affect different areas of the body. Eating bananas cannot cure arthritis, but the nutrients in this fruit can reduce inflammation, limit swelling, improve joint pain and bone health.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis in older people. The most affected joints are the knees, hips, hands and lower back. This disease can cause severe pain, limited movement, and disability.
One of the most important roles of magnesium is to ensure strong bones, because 60% of magnesium in the body is in bones and teeth. Not enough magnesium can lead to inflammation, which in turn increases the risk of arthritis.
Research on more than 1,600 people in China showed that those who absorbed enough magnesium had less signs of osteoarthritis and joint space narrowing.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when healthy cells are mistakenly attacked by the immune system, leading to inflammation in the body. This disease affects the joints in the wrists, hands and knees. It can also affect other tissues causing problems with the heart, eyes and lungs.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are advised to reduce or avoid processed foods, salt, oil, sugar, and animal protein. Recommended fruits include mangos, blueberries, peaches, apples and bananas.
The antioxidants in bananas may provide anti-inflammatory effects, slowing the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Potassium also has anti-inflammatory effects, good for both bones and the heart.
Gout
Gout causes swelling, pain and inflammation in the joints due to increased levels of uric acid in the blood. Diet plays an important role in disease prevention and control.
People with gout should avoid foods and drinks high in sugar, red meat, organ meats, shellfish and alcohol; Prioritize foods low in purine to reduce uric acid levels in the body. Bananas are beneficial for gout patients because they are low in purine and contain vitamin C which helps reduce inflammation.
Overall, bananas are a healthy choice for most people, except in some cases, such as people with impaired kidney function, who may need to limit potassium-rich foods, including bananas.
Along with bananas, many other foods can reduce arthritis symptoms including mangoes, berries, grapes, peaches, tomatoes, apples; vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, sweet potatoes and dark green leafy vegetables. Whole grains include oats, brown rice, and quinoa; walnuts, almonds; Beans and green tea are also good for people with arthritis.
Types of fish, especially fatty fish (salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, anchovies); Fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi… should also be included in the diet to fight inflammation.