Much attention is often paid to the healthful benefits of nutrition and the heart and cardiovascular system, but seldom is advice seen for how to eat for healthy joints. Here are a few nutritional elements that are vital for keeping your joints and cartilage in tip-top shape.
• Manganese is a major player in building cartilage in the body by boosting the glucosamine in the body – which maintains healthy cartilage, and thus, joints. Some great sources for Manganese: Whole Grains, Beans, Seafood, Dark leafy Greens, Milk, and Nuts.
• When included in your diet, Omega 3s give your body anti-inflammatory support and improve blood flow and mental health. Omega 3s provide the joints with the support they need to stay functioning properly. Some natural sources include: Flax seeds, Walnuts, Cod Liver Oil, Egg Yolk, and certain types of fish, such as Salmon, Cod, Trout, and Sardines.
• Vitamins C & E are an antioxidant rich duo and support each others function. While Vitamin C is the hero of healthy bones and joints with its ability to help the body form collagen, it can’t perform at peak without its partner, Vitamin E. Collagen is a protein that is found in your bones, tendons and cartilage. Citrus fruits, strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes, broccoli, corn, nuts and oats are all great sources for this powerful duo.
Surprising as it may seem, it’s easy to have a strong, healthy musculoskeletal system with a few easy additions to your diet. Try the fish recipe below to get started.
Recipe for Salmon with Citrus Honey ?
Honey and citrus juices flavor these tasty salmon fillets, and the combination of healthy omega 3s from the Salmon, and the glucosamine booster Vitamin C makes this dish a winner for your joints and cartilage. Great with Rice.
Ingredients:
4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each, skin on
4 tablespoons honey?3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons orange juice
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:??
Preheat oven to 400° Grease a 9x13x2-inch baking pan. Place salmon, skin-side down, in the prepared baking pan. Combine the honey, lime juice, and orange juice, stirring until well blended. Sprinkle the fillets with salt and pepper then spoon the honey and juice mixture over the fillets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Sprinkle the fillets with salt and pepper then spoon the honey and juice mixture over the fillets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.