You don’t need an arthritis diagnosis to notice that the wintertime can be harsh on the joints and bones. However, certain plant-based foods can be extremely beneficial in aiding those aches and pains. If you do have arthritis, there are so many options available for helping you ease the pains. Between the cold weather and the dryness, you might be in the market for some new additions to your diet that can help you feel a little bit better all around. With all of the great vitamins and minerals that can be found in plant-based foods, you can absolutely combat winter arthritis, no matter what it looks like for you. Here’s how.
Plant-Based Foods to Combat Winter Arthritis
1. Olive Oil
Healthy fats are great for helping to ease joint pain, so why not get things started with a little bit of olive oil? Although some people think oil is never good for you, it definitely has its place within your diet, especially with all of its anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Broccoli
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower are thought to be anti-inflammatory and can specifically be great for aiding arthritis, both in the wintertime and beyond. Broccoli can also be a great addition to plenty of meals, making it an easy option.
3. Root Vegetables
There are so many root vegetables out there that can be great for aiding wintertime arthritis. Try and find some that have a crossover with orange fruits and vegetables — like carrots and sweet potatoes — as those are also great for easing joint and muscle pain. However, there are plenty of other root vegetables that can make an impression, such as potatoes and squash. These are also very filling and warm, making them perfect for winter.
4. Onions
Onions are high in antioxidants, which makes them a great option to help combat inflammation and arthritis in the wintertime. Like many whole foods that are high in antioxidants and vitamins, onions can help to calm joint and muscle pain, and even help reduce other inflammation like sinus or lymph node pressure.
5. Avocado
Avocados are a great example of healthy fats that can be extremely beneficial to the joints and bones. There are so many ways that you can incorporate avocados into your diet, from a little guacamole to tossing them in your smoothies, which makes it that much easier to eat them regularly.
6. Nuts and Seeds
Speaking of healthy fats, nuts and seeds should definitely get a space on this list, because they all tend to offer a little something of value. However, you don’t simply need to go for plain nuts and seeds. You can incorporate nut butters or even protein balls into your diet to get the same impact. Specifically, things like peanut butter, almond butter, walnuts, cashews, chia seeds, and flax seeds are great sources of healthy fat and oil.
7. Lentils
Lentils can also be a great source of healthy fats and proteins, which can help your body feel fueled and recovered from whatever the wintertime throws at you. There are so many ways that you can use lentils in a variety of cuisines and recipes, so you can absolutely get creative with this iron-rich option.
8. Beans
Much like lentils, beans are a great source of iron and protein, so you can include them in your diet in a variety of ways. Beans are a great source of fiber and even some healthy fats, and most beans are like this, so you have a variety of options. From black beans to red kidney beans, you can go with whatever choices taste the best to you.
9. Blueberries
Did somebody say antioxidants again? Blueberries are the superfood for you. Blueberries have a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Additionally, they’re hydrating and energy-boosting, which are all great qualities to look into for aiding your wintertime arthritis. Even if fresh blueberries aren’t the best winter fruit where you live, you can always find frozen ones and include them in your smoothies or smoothie bowls. Follow your taste buds and see what you come up with!
10. Strawberries
Much like their blueberry counterparts, strawberries are another great choice to bring those great antioxidants into your diet and give you a bit of a boost. There are plenty of berries that can aid in combating winter arthritis, too, including blackberries and raspberries. These can all taste great alone or in a creative smoothie.
Plant-Based Foods to Combat Winter Arthritis
Plant-based foods are great for so many things, including easing pain. Whether you have serious arthritis or you aren’t exactly there yet, leaning into healthy fats and antioxidants and eating a rainbow of filling foods can be a fantastic choice for your overall health. From avocados to strawberries, there are so many delicious and nutritious choices to try.
Photography by Annie Spratt
