9 Delicious Ways to Fight Arthritis- Way 1

Super Sources
It's easy to make nutrients part of a sensible daily diet once you learn there's such a variety of them within virtually every food group. As with any nutrient, certain foods will always be richer sources than others. Below are super sources of the nutrients that battle arthritis best.

1. Salmon. Salmon is among the richest sources of healthy fats, making it an ideal source of omega-3 fatty acids, especially because it's less likely than other cold-water fish to harbor high levels of toxic mercury. In addition to its fatty oils, salmon contains calcium, vitamin D, and folate. Besides helping with arthritis, eating salmon may protect the cardiovascular system by preventing blood clots, repairing artery damage, raising levels of good cholesterol, and lowering blood pressure.


Focus on freshness. To avoid bacterial contamination, look for glossy fish that are wrapped to prevent contact with other fish. If you're buying fish whole, eyes should be clear and bright, not opaque or sunken, and flesh should not be slimy or slippery. Cuts like steaks and fillets should be dense and moist. In all cases, flesh should be firm and spring back if you press it.


Use quickly. Fresh fish spoils fast, so if you can't eat salmon within a day after purchase, double its shelf life by cooking it right away and storing it in the refrigerator. (It is delicious served cold with cucumbers and dill.)


Tame total fat. While you want the beneficial omega-3s in fish oil, the fat in fish is also loaded with calories. To keep from adding still more calories during preparation, cook salmon using low-fat methods such as baking, poaching, broiling, or steaming, and season with spices such as dill, parsley, cilantro, tarragon, or thyme.


Cook by color. Following the rule of thumb for cooking fish -- to wait until flesh is opaque white or light gray -- is a tougher call with pink-hued salmon. To ensure doneness, cook salmon until it's opaque in its thickest part, with juices clear and watery, and flesh flaking easily with the gentle turn of a fork.