Does Black Gram Help with Arthritis?

According to the CDC, there are over 54 million people in the United States that have arthritis! Nearly half of the 54 million are compelled to limit their activities due to the pain in their joints; this pain can be quite severe.

We like to brag about the lentil black gram and all the benefits it has for your health and wellbeing; but how does black gram work for people who suffer with arthritis? Let’s take a look at some of the causes and types of arthritis, and we’ll find out when to start consuming more of this delicious legume, and when it might be a better idea to hold off.

Joint Pain of Many Names

It may surprise you to know that there are over 100 different types of arthritis! It’s basically a general term for joint pain. The causes and effects of arthritis can vary greatly and require professional testing to determine the source of the problem. Nevertheless, these are a few of the most common types of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

This is by far the most prevalent form of arthritis, affecting around 27 million people in the US. Alternately called degenerative arthritis, it is usually caused by obesity, age, genetics, joint overuse or an injury. Statistics also show that women are far more likely to experience it than men.

While we can’t entirely prevent our bodies from wearing down with age, there are definitely ways to help ourselves age more slowly and gracefully. Incorporating black gram into your dietary lifestyle can help boost health in so many ways, including in some ways that may ease the discomfort of arthritis, or delay the onset of arthritis. One way that black gram promotes health is by supplying the body with lots of fiber; never underestimate what fiber can do for you! Studies have shown a link between high-fiber diets and lower inflammation in joints. Black gram’s fiber content can also help you maintain a healthy weight, easing pressure on joints, and promoting whole-body health. 

Another benefit found in black gram is the antioxidants in the legume’s skin. Studies have shown that antioxidants can prevent arthritic damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants also help prevent the aging of our cells, slowing degeneration in every area of the body.

Gout

When levels of uric acid get too high in the blood stream, crystals can form in the joints of our bodies causing pain called gout. Uric acid is normal, and usually is filtered out through the kidneys into our urine; however, if the kidneys are not functioning properly, or if other elements are causing abnormal levels of uric acid, that’s when problems occur.

What we eat can affect the levels of uric acid in our bodies. The Mayo Clinic recommends a specific diet to reduce purine in the foods we eat (purine is converted into uric acid during digestion). Black gram happens to fit all these requirements perfectly! 

• Complex carbs
• Very few or no saturated fats
• Plant-based proteins
• Limited sugars

In addition to controlling purine, professionals recommend weight loss as an effective way to reduce gout attacks and ease pressure on joints. As we’ve already stated, black gram is one of your best friends when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight! The high content of fiber (48% RDV per serving) regulates sugar absorption during digestion, helps us feel full longer, and gives us the energy we need to stay fit and active.

Infectious/Septic Arthritis

Infection in the joints can cause what’s called infectious or septic arthritis, and it is often accompanied by other symptoms like fever, chills, and skin rashes. Sometimes the infection can start in a different area of the body and spread to the joints, causing discomfort and pain. This is a serious condition that can result in permanent joint damage and even fatality if left without urgent medical attention. 

Black gram is not and should not be considered any sort of cure or medicine if an infection has set in, but it can be a wonderful way to help boost your immune system as you fight off the bacteria. Regularly eating black gram may also provide help in preventing such infections in the first place. Iron is an essential part of maintaining a strong immune system, as it helps the immune cells multiply and mature. Black gram has an incredible amount of iron packed in each little lentil; a serving size provides 95% of the recommended daily intake!

Autoimmune Arthritis

Those who suffer from autoimmune-related arthritis may have to proceed with caution when it comes to black gram. Certain types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis (and several other rare types) are caused by an over reactive immune system. With these conditions, the immune system actually attacks its own body; in this case, the joints. Unfortunately there is no known cure for autoimmune diseases at this time, but there are some pharmaceutical ways to help control the pain and inflammation.

While consuming a smaller amount of black gram from time to time may help balance out the functions of the body, be sensitive to any autoimmune-type reactions and be sure to ask your doctor about any potential relationship between such reactions and your diet.

The Ancient Legacy of Black Gram 

For thousands of years, black gram has been held in high esteem throughout India for its amazing ability to heal the body of so many ailments, and the ways it can prevent so many more! There are very few areas of health that are not benefited by this humble bean, and that’s why we just can’t get enough of it.

Whatever health issues we may be facing, it is wise to avoid highly processed foods and saturated/trans fats, and instead choose foods that are rich in natural vitamins and minerals; foods like black gram. Your body will be able to tell the difference!

Feel free to contact us with any other questions about black gram, and don’t forget to browse through some of tasty recipes on our site! 

Blackgram.com does not offer personal health or medical advice. Neither black gram nor any of the statements herein have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided on Blackgram.com is general in nature and informational only. Nothing on this site is intended as advice and should not be considered a substitute in any way for professional medical advice to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should consult your healthcare provider before starting any nutrition, diet, exercise, fitness, medical, or wellness program.