6 Foods That Strengthen Your Cartilage And Ligaments

The elderly are the most vulnerable when it comes to joint problems. But not only they must ensure the protection of cartilage and ligaments. It is better to prevent than to treat, as the saying goes. That’s why we’ve prepared a list of foods that strengthen your cartilage and ligaments and some recommendations for maintaining the health of these tissues.

What you need to know about cartilage and ligaments?

Before moving on to remedies and recommendations, it is important to know a few things about these tissues.

Cartilage is elastic connective tissue that covers the joints and allows them to move smoothly. There are three types of cartilage:

• Hyalin (most common in the body)
• Fibrosis (located in the area where the ligaments and tendons are inserted)

• Elastic (present in the larynx, ears and epiglottis)

As for the ligaments, they are formations of fibrous, resistant and elastic connective tissues, which connect the bones together, especially at the joint level. They allow movement, but serve as a means of fixation, preventing dislocations.

How do you assess the condition of cartilage and ligaments?

You don’t have to be an elite athlete to eat foods that strengthen your cartilage and ligaments and thus avoid the complications caused by injuries. The knees are frequently injured because they support the entire body weight. But the shoulders, hands and heels can also be affected.

Your knees and shoulders can be affected by several problems, such as:

• Aging
• Degenerative joint diseases (such as arthritis)
• Obesity or overweight
• Excessive exercise
• lesions
• Repetitive movements
• Moving heavy objects

The main symptoms of cartilage and ligament disorders are joint pain, muscle tension and inflammation.

Foods that strengthen your cartilage and ligaments

The following recipes and foods can help you maintain the health of these tissues, but also heal quickly after an accident in which an injury has occurred.

1. Yogurt

This milk derivative, produced after fermentation with lactic acid bacteria, can be very helpful if you have problems with cartilage and ligaments. The yogurt originates from the Balkan Peninsula, but the Turks and Greeks still have disputes over its true origin.

Yogurt is a staple food in many cultures of the world because it contains bacteria beneficial to the body. In addition, yogurt is rich in calcium, an essential element for bone health.

2. Gelatin

Gelatin is one of the best foods that strengthen your cartilage and ligaments. It has a high collagen content, which helps to regenerate tissues, bones and tendons.

Gelatin contains ten essential amino acids, but does not contain fat or cholesterol. In addition, it can be combined with fruit, although products containing artificial colors should be avoided. Discover below a delicious and natural recipe prepared with gelatin and fruit.

ingredients

• A banana
• One orange
• 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin (20 g)
• 2 tablespoons water (20 ml)
• 2 tablespoons honey (40 ml)

Method of preparation

• Squeeze the orange juice. Crush the banana with a fork.
• Mix the banana puree with the honey and set it aside.
• Soak the gelatin in water and heat it in a bain-marie. Do not allow the gelatin to reach boiling point.
• Add the orange juice and mix well.
• Pour the mixture into a mold and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
• Serve the orange jelly with the banana puree on top.

3. Soy

Soy is marketed worldwide and has several uses. Its seeds contain a high amount of protein and can be consumed in various forms: milk, flour, tofu and fermented products.

To take advantage of its benefits, we recommend organic soy. Soy is also on the list of foods that strengthen your cartilage and ligaments and help you maintain their health.

4. Nettle

The following nettle remedy prepared at home helps you to strengthen your cartilage and ligaments due to the intake of magnesium, potassium, silicon and chlorophyll. These nutrients have beneficial effects on tissue health.

ingredients

• 3 tablespoons nettle leaves (80 g)
• 4 cups water (1 l)
• One teaspoon of lemon juice (10 ml)
• 2 tablespoons honey (40 ml)

Method of preparation

• Heat the water, and when it reaches the boiling point, add the nettle.
• Boil for 15 minutes.
• Strain and pour the liquid into a glass container.
• Put it in the fridge and let it cool for an hour.

• Before consumption, add lemon juice and honey and mix.
• It is consumed cold. You can also add ice cubes.

5. Citrus

Due to the fact that it stimulates the production of collagen (an essential element for ligaments and cartilage), vitamin C should not be missing from your diet. Consume citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, kiwis and strawberries and take advantage of the benefits they offer.

6. Turmeric and cinnamon

Both spices have a unique flavor, with anti-inflammatory properties that can be useful in case of inflammation in the joints, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Therefore, we recommend that you add them to infusions, dishes or desserts. In addition to the unique aroma they offer, these spices are beneficial for your health.