Doctor claims three budget-friendly fruits may ease joint pain

The Power of Fruits in Managing Joint Pain

Joint pain can be a challenging condition to manage, especially during the colder months when symptoms often intensify. There are various reasons behind joint discomfort, including injuries from sports, the natural process of aging, and autoimmune disorders. While painkillers and expensive creams may provide temporary relief, medical professionals are increasingly suggesting that dietary changes could offer a more comprehensive solution.

Dr Syed Nadeem Abbas, from Dr SNA Clinic, has identified specific foods that may help reduce flare-ups. His recommendation starts with three common fruits that can be purchased for under a pound combined.

Affordable and Nutritious Options

Based on current UK supermarket prices, the cost of these fruits is as follows:

• Orange – about 30p each
• Banana – about 16p each
• Apple – about 40p each

Dr Syed explained that for around a pound a day, individuals can give their joints a significant nutritional boost. Although no single food can reverse the effects of aging, incorporating these three items into daily routines offers a powerful combination of vitamin C, quercetin, potassium, and antioxidants. These nutrients are linked to healthier cartilage, reduced inflammation, and stronger bones.

When combined with regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and appropriate medical treatment, this approach could make joints feel decades younger.

Oranges: A Collagen Powerhouse

Dr Syed emphasized the benefits of citrus fruits like oranges, which are rich in vitamin C. This nutrient is essential for the body to produce collagen, a protein responsible for maintaining strong and flexible cartilage, ligaments, and bones.

He said, "When cartilage wears down, joints feel stiff, creaky, and painful. Vitamin C helps your body repair and maintain that tissue and also acts as an antioxidant, mopping up some of the damage caused by inflammation and everyday wear and tear."

Eating one whole orange a day as a snack or sliced over breakfast is a cost-effective way to boost joint-friendly vitamin C.

Apples: Nature's Inflammation Fighter

The next recommendation from Dr Syed is the humble apple, which costs roughly 40p loose in most supermarkets. He noted that apples are rich in a plant compound called quercetin, which has been studied for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

"In simple terms, it helps calm some of the low-level inflammation that can slowly grind away at your joints over time," he said. An apple a day won't magically erase arthritis, but as part of a joint-friendly diet, it's a smart, low-effort way to keep feeding the body helpful anti-inflammatory compounds.

Bananas: Supporting the Body from Within

Last but not least, the banana, which costs approximately 16p loose, offers its own unique advantages. Dr Syed pointed out that bananas are well-known for their potassium content, a mineral associated with better bone health, lower blood pressure, and healthier muscles.

"Stronger bones and better muscle function give your joints a more stable, supported environment, which can make movement feel easier and more comfortable," he said. Bananas also contain a little vitamin C and other antioxidants, contributing to the overall joint-supporting mix.