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7 Best Summer Fruits for Rheumatoid Arthritis

1. Cherries
Try It Just eat them as a snack. Or, says Frechman, make a chia pudding (1 cup of plant-based milk, a quarter of a cup of chia seeds, 1 teaspoon of maple syrup, 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder) and throw in half a cup of cherries. You’ll also get fiber from the chia seeds.
2. Peaches, Plums, and Apricots
Try It Whip up a smoothie using a variety of these fruits. Or just enjoy a fresh fruit salad, with a hint of mint.
3. Cantaloupe
Try It Slice it up in a fruit salad; make a melon salsa; or purée it, add the juice of one lime and some salt to taste, and you’ve got a refreshing cold cantaloupe soup.
4. Blueberries
Try It Mix them into yogurt with a granola topping, toss them into oatmeal or a smoothie, or eat them by the handful.
5. Pineapple
“Pineapples are a great source of vitamin C, but you also have the protease enzyme, bromelain. It has the potential of reducing inflammation, supporting the immune system, and as a bonus, it aids in digestion,” says Frechman.
Try It Cut the pineapple into chunks and skewer them. Add a little olive oil and grill them until lightly charred. The sugar caramelizes for a really delicious experience. Or make a pineapple salsa for chips or to put on chicken or fish. Chop together pineapple, red pepper, and cilantro, then add lime juice and a tiny bit of jalapeño to give it a little heat, says Frechman.
6. Watermelon
Try It No need to get fancy. Just cut it up and enjoy. Or blend it, add a bit of lime, and make refreshing (and healthy) frozen pops.
7. Grapes
Try It Keep them frozen for a filling treat. Skewer them along with chicken or fish, let sit in a marinade, then grill. Or layer them with yogurt and almonds for a fun parfait.
The Takeaway
- Eating seasonal fresh fruit — including cherries, berries, stone fruits, melon, pineapple, and grapes — as part of an anti-inflammatory diet can help you manage RA symptoms.
- Fruits are full of vitamins, nutrients, and polyphenols (organic compounds found in plants) that have an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effect.
- While fruit contains sugar, which can contribute to inflammation, the wealth of nutrients and fiber in fruit makes a good addition to your RA diet.