7 of the best foods to eat if you have arthritis.

However, certain foods, when combined with a proper treatment plan or routine, can help make your pain more manageable.

Simply put, inflammation is the immune system's natural response to injury or infection. When inflammation becomes chronic, it can damage the body and joints, contributing to painful conditions like arthritis or the development of diseases including cancer and diabetes.

While you can't fight inflammation or joint pain with diet alone, many studies have shown that certain foods with anti-inflammatory properties can help balance things out.

According to the Arthritis Foundation of America, the following foods have been shown to help reduce pain even in people with osteoarthritis.

Packed with nutrients that boost bone health, these foods can help keep your bones and joints strong, which is also beneficial for those with osteoporosis.

Sip on green tea or ginger tea.

Instead of a cup of coffee, start your day with a cup of tea. For centuries, green tea has been known for its myriad health benefits, ranging from weight loss to maintaining healthy skin.

Studies have shown that green tea, whose main component is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), also has anti-inflammatory effects.

You can enjoy green tea with ice or hot for its health benefits, but be sure to choose tea bags, as these may be less processed than other options.

Another type of tea that experts recommend is ginger tea. Like green tea, ginger is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits are all rich in vitamin C. They also contain nutrients such as fiber, potassium, and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals.

Fruits rich in vitamin C help repair tissue, making them an ideal snack choice for people with osteoarthritis.

Some dark-colored vegetables and fruits

Many people probably already know the importance of having a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. But not everyone knows that the darker, more vibrant fruits and vegetables are especially high in antioxidants and can help fight inflammation.

According to the Arthritis Foundation of America, red and purple fruits like strawberries or raspberries and leafy green vegetables like broccoli are rich in vitamin K, which is especially helpful for people with osteoarthritis.

Some types of fish

Fish is also a staple of the popular Mediterranean diet, playing a beneficial role in preventing inflammation.

Specifically, fish is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, especially types of fish such as salmon, mackerel, cod, tuna, and herring.

If you don't like eating fish, try taking fish oil supplements; your joints will thank you for it.

Some types of cooking oil

Not all cooking oils have anti-inflammatory properties, but don't hesitate to use oils that are high in heart-healthy fats.

Anti-inflammatory oils worth including in your diet include olive oil, avocado oil, and flaxseed oil.

Saffron

Saffron acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and helps reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Studies have shown that crocin, one of the main compounds in saffron, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiproliferative properties, and it is effective in people with joint pain.

Garlic

Garlic has miraculous effects in treating symptoms and preventing disease. In addition to lowering blood pressure and supporting the treatment of heart disease, garlic also has strong anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce the risk of osteoarthritis as well as its painful symptoms.