Arthritis
Around 8 million people in the UK suffer from arthritis. There are different kinds of the disease, but they are all characterised by painful joints, typically of the hands, feet, wrists, ankles and knees. The most common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory condition that can affect the entire body, but especially the joints.
What exactly causes arthritis is still unknown, but diet is believed to be a major factor. In particular, people who eat a diet containing a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables and very limited amounts of red meat are less likely to be affected by arthritis. The reason is that fruit and veg are a rich source of antioxidants - especially vitamins C and E and the minerals selenium and zinc - which neutralise harmful chemicals in the body. Another important nutrient in alleviating arthritis is Omega-3 - an essential fatty acid found in fish oil.
If you'd like a recipe with anti-arthritic properties, here's one for Salmon Niçoise Salad - Serves 4 people.
Ingredients:
1 can (400g) red salmon
400g new potatoes (boil until tender)
200g French beans
2 little gem lettuce
5 anchovies
20 cherry tomatoes (halved)
4 hard-boiled eggs
150g black olives
A sprinkle of parsley
Dressing:
1 clove of garlic (crushed)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
5 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Pepper to taste
Directions:
- Drain the salmon; remove skin and bones; break into large chunks.
- Arrange lettuce in bowl; add tomatoes, potatoes and French beans.
- Add anchovies, eggs and olives.
- Put dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well. Drizzle over salad.
Read also:
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An A to Z of Healthy Eating - C
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An A to Z of Healthy Eating - G
Grapes, grapefruit, green beans, garlic and ginger are just some of the foods beginning with 'G'. Grapes and grapefruit are fantastic fruits, packed with a range of vital nutrients. Both of them are great for breakfast or served chopped on a salad. Today I'm going to focus on green beans, garlic and ginger in a little more detail, as well as a couple of lesser known items: guava and grouper. Finally, I'll give you a recipe that contains all five. -
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Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or you’re running your first marathon, it’s vital to prepare yourself nutritionally for the big event. The countdown should begin two to three months before a marathon and will involve making changes to your eating and drinking patterns. With the right preparation you’ll enjoy all of the training and have a lot more fun on the big day.
