Joints get worn out from all the activities we do. But eating a healthy diet can slow the natural cartilage degeneration that happens with age and overuse. Here are some super foods that can help:
Nuts high in vitamin E (almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, peanuts) defend against free radicals, which destroy healthy cell membranes in the joint area.
Omega-3 sources like wild salmon or a splash of flax-seed oil on a side dish protects against the chronic joint inflammation that begins in our 30's and contributes to joint cartilage breakdown.
Black beans, pineapple, and spinach are high in the mineral manganese, which plays an important role in the formation of bone.
Popeye wasn't kidding: eat your spinach. Kale, okra, and dairy products like cheese and yogurt are also great sources of calcium, another essential mineral for bone health.
Collagen isn't just for pretty skin—your joints need a lot of it, too. Blackberries and raspberries, fish, carrots, red apples (eat the peel—wash well!), citrus fruits, unprocessed high-protein foods, oysters, and garlic help the body produce more collagen naturally.