The Skinny on Omega-3s, Antioxidants, and RA
Developed in partnership with nutritionist Catherine Lin, MS, RD, and the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases
Have you ever wondered whether there's a connection between your diet and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms? Scientists are still researching diet’s role on RA activity, but some results are promising. For instance, in one study, patients with moderate RA showed improved physical function with a diet that was low in dairy fat and rich in olive oil and cooked vegetables.
Along with olive oil, some other types of fat are considered to be healthier than others, whether you have RA or not. Salmon, trout, and herring are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Good vegetarian sources include flaxseed oil, tofu, and certain types of nuts and beans.
Fruits and vegetables are excellent diet staples that are high in antioxidants, which many experts believe are good for the cells in your body. That's why you should try to eat 2 to 4 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.