Common plant chemical – flavonoids – lower rheumatoid arthritis risk

A high intake of a chemical found naturally in plants is associated with reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis in a new study.

What are flavonoids?

Flavonoids are a diverse group of plant chemicals present in almost all fruits and vegetables. Responsible for the vivid colours of many plants, flavonoids have various beneficial effects on human health. We already know that flavonoids have anti-inflammatory effects that influence rheumatoid arthritis in animals, but less research has been done on people.

What does the new research show?

Data was analysed from three large surveys of nearly 7,500 people (average age 45 years old), 408 of whom had rheumatoid arthritis. Published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, key findings included:
• High flavanones intake was associated with low rheumatoid arthritis prevalence;
• Total flavonoids intake protected against rheumatoid arthritis;
• And risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis lowered with increasing intake of total flavonoids.

What does the research mean for me?

It’s exciting research that’s easy to put into practice. Chiefly, the research highlighted that flavanones (a subclass) are especially beneficial so citrus fruits – orange, lemon and grapefruit – come out top, along with tomatoes. Other classes of flavonoid are important too, the key being colour. Go for red cabbage, dark green veg like broccoli and beans, and brightly coloured cherries, strawberries and blueberries.

Interested in how food can impact arthritis symptoms? Click here for more. 

PS Did you know that Arthritis Digest Magazine is labelled the best UK Arthritis blog from thousands of blogs on the web ranked by traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness?