
I love fruit. I’d rather grab a crunchy apple or juicy pear than eat a slice of cake (I do have a soft spot for cheesecake though).
But which are the best fruits for gout?
Gout is a condition that causes painful, swollen joints due to an excess buildup of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is usually caused by eating too much high purine foods.
Most fruits are considered low purine and offer a wealth of nutritional benefits for those suffering from gout.
And it turns out that certain fruits are actually better than others when it comes to managing and preventing gout flare-ups.
What Fruits Are Good For Gout?
Some of the top contenders are strawberries, cherries, blueberries, apples, pears, bananas, and grapes.
These fruits tend to be rich in antioxidants and other important nutrients, which can help to keep your body healthy and fight inflammation.
Tart Cherry
Tart cherry is probably number one when it comes to the best fruits for gout. This delicious fruit is high in potassium, which helps to flush excess uric acid out of the body and reduce the risk of a gout flare-up.
In fact, many studies have shown that tart cherry juice can be highly effective at reducing inflammation and relieving gout pain.
In a study by the American College of Rheumatology, it was found that drinking tart cherry juice for just three weeks helped to reduce pain and stiffness among gout sufferers.
There have been numerous positive clinical human trials on gout and tart cherry making it one of the best fruits for gout, if not THE best.
Strawberries
Strawberries are good for gout as well. Not only are they packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, which help to keep the immune system strong, but they also contain anthocyanins, a compound that can reduce inflammation.
In a study by the American College of Rheumatology, researchers found that strawberries may be able to reduce uric acid levels in the body.
Blueberries
Blueberries are another great fruit to eat if you’re dealing with gout. Like tart cherries, they are high in antioxidants and can help to fight inflammation and reduce pain.
In a study by the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, it was found that blueberry consumption significantly decreased levels of uric acid in the blood and urine. So blueberries and gout are cool.
Apples
Apples are good for gout as well, thanks to their high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants. They are also a great source of fiber, which can help keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent gout flare-ups.
They contain Malic acid, which can help to break down and remove uric acid from the body.
In a study by the University of Maryland Medical Center, it was found that patients who ate an apple every day for a week experienced significant reduction in uric acid levels.
Pears
Pears are another food good for gout. Like apples, they are rich in antioxidants and fiber, and can help to lower uric acid levels.
Additionally, pears contain malic acid, which can break down and remove uric acid from the body.
In a study by the Department of Gnutrascience and Food Technology, it was found that eating pears can help to lower uric acid levels more effectively than taking allopurinol.
Bananas
Bananas are another great fruit for gout. They are high in potassium, which can help to flush excess uric acid out of the body and prevent swelling.
In a study by the Ulsan University in Korea, it was found that bananas can help to reduce uric acid levels and prevent gout attacks.
So it’s a thumbs up for bananas and gout.
Pineapple
Pineapple is one of the best fruits for gout, thanks to its high levels of bromelain. This powerful enzyme can help break down uric acid crystals in the body and reduce inflammation.
In a study by the University of Maryland Medical Center, researchers also found that bromelain may be as effective at treating gout and reducing pain as NSAIDs like ibuprofen.
Grapes
And finally, grapes are another great fruit for those with gout. Grapes contain resveratrol, an antioxidant that can slow down the production of uric acid and reduce inflammation.
Grapes are also a great source of fiber which can help to prevent gout flare-ups and keep your blood sugar levels stable.
In a study by the Gout, Diabetes and Kidney Disease Center, it was found that grapes can help to reduce uric acid levels in the body and prevent gout attacks.
Foods Good For Gout
So if you’re dealing with gout symptoms, be sure to add these top fruits into your diet on a regular basis!
They are rich in important nutrients that can help to keep your body healthy and fight inflammation, making them the best fruits for gout.
Remember, these fruits aren’t a gout cure by themselves, so be sure to continue taking other steps to manage your condition, including following a healthy diet and lifestyle, getting regular exercise, and avoiding foods that can trigger flare-ups.
But by incorporating these fruits into your diet, you’ll be giving yourself an extra boost of health and wellbeing!
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