It’s the season of giving thanks. That means time spent with a lot of family, friends, and food. Did you know that there are three Thanksgiving staples that can help with chronic pain control? That’s right—incorporating these three ingredients in generous portions can help reduce complications from conditions like arthritis.
A Good Cheer for Cherries
For year, people have claimed that cherries helped manage their painful osteoarthritis and gout flares. The Arthritis Foundation cited a study by the Boston University Medical Center that determined eating a minimum of 10 cherries per day protected people against recurrent gout attacks.
The results were attributed to anthocyanins, which are plant pigments with incredible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It just so happens that cherries, particularly tart cherries, contain higher levels of this pigment.
And the same effect can even be acquired through consuming liquid cherry extract.
Another study cited by the Arthritis Foundation reported that patients who drank two 8-ounce bottles of tart cherry juice per day (for 6 weeks) enjoyed remarkable improvement in pain, stiffness, and physical function. Each bottle for the study was the equivalent to 45 cherries.
So how can I use cherries for my Thanksgiving meal?
Of course, there’s the classic cherry pie. And it’s likely that your family either has a generations-old recipe or you can get your hands on one. For the leftovers that don’t make it into the baking pan, you can repurpose them to gain further benefits. Check out this delicious classic bread stuffing with dried cherries and apples from the Detroit Free Press.
One for All. And All for Olive Oil.
That’s the saying, right? Well, even if it’s not, we should all begin realizing the value of olive oil for its anti-inflammatory properties.
The Monell Chemical Senses Center claims to have discovered an ingredient in freshly pressed, extra virgin olive oil. And that ingredient behaves as a natural anti-inflammatory similar to aspirin and ibuprofen. It is called oleocanthal.
“Now that we know of oleocanthal’s anti-inflammatory properties, it seems plausible that oleocanthal plays a causal role in the health benefits associated with diets where olive oil is the principal source of fat,” says Monell research Paul Breslin, PhD.
How should I incorporate olive oil for the Thanksgiving I prepare?
The California Olive Ranch provides five delectable ideas of how to use olive oil:
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil onto roasted vegetables for added flavor.
- Inject olive oil into the breast and thighs of the turkey just prior to roasting.
- Rub the exterior of your turkey with olive oil instead of butter beforehand.
- Use olive oil instead of butter for baked goods, such as cornbread.
- Add some Italian flair to your mashed potatoes by using olive oil instead of butter and cream.
Carry Your Foods Ginger-ly
It’s proven that herbs and spices with strong fragrance are nutritional powerhouses, especially for combating inflammation. And while inflammation is most commonly associated with pain, it can also contribute to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and types of cancers.
And ginger contains dozens of phytonutrients called gingerols, which are incredibly potent anti-inflammatory substances. It works so well that it is used as a common painkiller for arthritis in Indonesian traditional medicine.
Do gingerbread cookies count? Or can I do something creative with ginger for Thanksgiving?
Thanks to Southern Living, here is a very appealing way to use some ginger this year: orange-ginger-glazed carrots. Check it out. Definitely.
Cinnamon (No, we couldn’t think of something catchy)
Cinnamon has been utilized by many cultures for a variety of purposes, including gastrointestinal issues, urinary infections, relief of cold and flu symptoms, diabetes, and pain.
The pain relieving quality of cinnamon is attributed to how it inhibits the hormone-like substance prostaglandin, which contributes to the contraction and relaxation of muscles.
Cinnamon can be used in a variety of ways. Do you have any suggestions?
We are glad you asked because All Recipes introduced us to a savory, mouth-watering idea for utilizing cinnamon at Thanksgiving. Try this: cinnamon roasted sweet potatoes. We don’t think giving thanks will ever be the same again.
Gar-lick That Pain at Thanksgiving
Garlic possesses impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping with arthritis and other pains. Some studies, such as one published in 1999, found that garlic eaten twice per day for four to six weeks produced the same results as conventional therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.
Let me guess … Garlic mashed potatoes?
Yes! Check out this awesome recipe for creamy garlic mashed potatoes from the Food Network. Enjoy the flavor. Enjoy the benefits for pain management.
For When Chronic Pain Requires More than Extra Flavor
You have Dynamic Health as your resource. We utilize a multidisciplinary approach coupled with state-of-the-art equipment to help diagnose the origin of your pain and take the necessary steps to get you to a pain-free life.