18 Fish-Free for Life: Why Plant Omega-3s are Better for You and the Environment
people with arthritis, suggest a diet high Weight control Getting the fats right
in fruit, vegetables, pasta, fish and white It is very important for people with arthritis While vegetarian and vegan diets have
meat and low in fatty foods such as red to maintain a healthy weight. The extra been shown to help some people with
meat, cream and cheese can help. Most burden on the joints, in overweight arthritis, people who eat large amounts
people would benefit from eating less or obese arthritis patients, can make of red meat, dairy and processed foods
saturated fat and sugar and eating more symptoms much worse. Losing weight may suffer more. The key point here is
complex carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins can have a dramatic effect in improving that plant-based diets (rich in antioxidants
and minerals. It is clear that for many the condition. and omega-3 fats) are helpful, whereas
people with arthritis, a healthier diet Western diets (rich in meat, dairy and
can help considerably. Vegetarian and vegan diets can help processed foods) contain harmful
people lose weight and maintain a healthy saturated fat which can increase the pain
The research shows that people who body weight. Many studies show that and inflammation of arthritis. The fact that
eat the most red meat, white meat and vegetarians and vegans weigh less than people also lose weight on a plant-based
meat products have the highest risk for meat-eaters; on average between six diet is an added bonus.
inflammatory arthritis, while vegetarian pounds and two stones less.
and vegan diets can prevent and treat Omega-6 fats don’t appear to help people
this and many other diseases. When losing weight, it is important to with arthritis. In fact, they may increase
ensure a good intake of nutrients. A healthy inflammation by competing with omega-3
Studies show that low-fat, gluten-free, balanced diet containing plenty of fruit fats. Most people have diets which already
vegan diets can help reduce symptoms and vegetables, pulses and wholegrain contain more omega-6 than they need. If
of arthritis. Other work, looking at an foods (wholemeal bread, brown rice and you have arthritis, it may be helpful to replace
uncooked vegan diet, rich in antioxidants wholemeal pasta) provides a good supply some of the omega-6 fats (found in sunflower
and fibre, reduced joint stiffness and of vitamins, minerals and fibre. A diet oil, corn oil and products made from them
pain. Further studies show that fasting, lacking in these foods and rich in meat, such as margarine) with omega-3 fats from
followed by a vegetarian or vegan diet dairy and processed foods (such as white flaxseed, hempseed and rapeseed oils and
can help people with arthritis. These bread, white rice and white pasta), does walnuts. Omega-3s from these sources
studies provide strong evidence that not provide a good source of nutrients. will ensure you get this healthy fat without
dietary modification can benefit arthritis Find out how to achieve and maintain a exposing your body to the harmful toxins
patients and that some foods do help healthy weight while protecting your found in oily fish. For an extra boost, you
while others harm. health too in the VVF’s V-Plan Diet guide. can take omega-3 algal supplements.
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