Body & Fitness

Arthritis? Eat some pumpkin

We all know that diet is an important component in maintaining overall health, and new research shows that changing your diet can help with chronic conditions like arthritis...

We all know that diet is an important component in maintaining overall health, and new research shows that changing your diet can help with chronic conditions like arthritis.

Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints. Currently, more than half a million New Zealanders are living with this painful condition.

According to U.S. researchers, the new superfood with benefits for arthritis is pumpkin. With its unique combination of antioxidants and ‘good’ fats, pumpkin could help prevent a range of diseases, including cancer, while the good fats — including palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids — can reduce inflammation, a key factor in arthritis and diabetes.

The report, in the journal nutrition Research Reviews, was based on a review of evidence from human and animal studies.

Meanwhile, an animal study has found that pumpkin seeds combined with flax seeds also have a protective effect against diabetes by helping to stabilise blood sugar, and protecting the insulin-­producing cells in the body against damage.

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