The accumulation of uric acid causes joints to swell resulting in a condition known as gout. This condition causes pain in the bones and joints. Consuming foods that may help to lower uric acid can reduce the symptoms associated with gout. And apples are one of those foods. It can decrease the amount of uric acid in your body so if you consume apples in moderation, you may be able to control the symptoms of gout without needing to visit the doctor as often.
Key Points
- Gout is a condition that develops when uric acid builds up in the body and causes pain and swelling in the joints and bones.
- You can fight off gout by eating foods like apples that could lower your uric acid levels.
- Apples are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- The vitamin C content of apples helps to lower uric acid levels in your body.
- Green apples contain high dietary fiber content as compared to other species of apples, so it is more effective in reducing gout symptoms.
- You should avoid consuming an apple on an empty stomach as it can cause constipation and bloating.
This blog discusses the answer to the question is apple good for gout or not.
About Apples and their Nutritional Value
Apples are among the most consumed fruits in the world. They thrive on the domestic apple tree, or Malus domestica, which is a native of Central Asia.
Apples are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. Considering how few calories they contain, they are also incredibly fulfilling.
According to studies, eating apples has many health advantages such as fighting the symptoms of gout.
Apples are typically consumed raw but can also be added to a variety of dishes, juices, and beverages.
Nutritional Facts about Apples
The nutritional information for one medium-sized apple (100 grams), uncooked and unpeeled, is as follows:
- Calories: 52
- Water: 86%
- Sugar: 10.4 grams
- Fiber: 2.4 grams
- Protein: 0.3 grams
- Carbs: 13.8 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams
Apples and Gout – What is the relationship?
Can apples help to decrease the symptoms of gout? If yes, then let us explore the reasons behind it.
1- The vitamin C content of apples helps to lower uric acid levels
According to a 2005 study, “Arthritis and Rheumatism” a diet high in vitamin C appears to reduce uric acid levels and may help prevent and treat gout.
Men need about 90 milligrams of vitamin C daily, whereas women only need about 75. 10.3 milligrams of vitamin C, or more than 11% of a man’s and almost 14% of a woman’s daily needs, may be found in one large apple.
You may be able to consume the recommended daily allowance of apples by including them in your diet.
2- Apples contain low amount of purines
Apples of all varieties are regarded as having low purines. Purine is a chemical that produces uric acid in the body upon its breakdown.
Less than 50 milligrams of purines are present in low-purine foods for every 100 grams of a substance. A 223-gram apple has about 31 milligrams of purines which can be a perfect diet pack for a patient with gout.
Additionally, apple sauce, apple juice, and dried apples are low in purines and permitted for a gout diet.
The majority of vegetables, low- or nonfat dairy products, rice, bread, pasta, and all fruits are also good low-purine foods.
Are green apples good for gout?
Green apples contain high dietary fiber content as compared to other species of apples, so it can help reduce uric acid levels.
The fiber in green apples removes excess uric acid from your body by absorbing it from the bloodstream.
Additionally, apples contain a lot of malic acids, which help the body’s defenses against the effects of uric acid.
What is the best time to eat apples for a gout patient?
According to research findings, you should not consume an apple on an empty stomach as it can cause constipation and bloating.
So, the ideal time to consume an apple is during the morning, typically right after breakfast.
Can apples increase the risk of developing gout or not?
Apples can increase the risk of developing gout if not consumed in moderation. Because it has a high proportion of fructose, a sugar that occurs naturally.
According to a 2008 study that appeared in the “British Medical Journal,” males who consume a lot of fructose from fruits like apples, are at an increased risk of developing gout because it may raise uric acid levels.
Therefore ask a doctor before consuming fructose-rich fruits like apples, grapes, watermelon, and peaches if you suffer from gout.
What is the recommended intake of apples for gout?
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center suggests consuming two to four portions of fruit every day if you have gout.
A single fruit serving equals one medium-sized whole apple, one cup of sliced or diced apples, one cup of apple juice, and half a cup of dried apples.
Choose just 100% fruit juice and stay away from apple items that have been given a sugar boost, such as sweetened applesauce.
Drink less fruit juice and consume whole, unpeeled apples more frequently instead, since fruit juice is poor in fiber and heavy in sugar.
Final Notes
Apples have been used for thousands of years for the treatment of different conditions. They are high in vitamin C and low in purines which makes them an excellent option to include in your diet for gout.
Moreover, you cannot eliminate the gout symptoms just by relying on a diet. Discussing with a doctor is really important to deal with the symptoms of gout. Book an appointment with a doctor of gout through Marham.
FAQs
1- What is the best fruit for gout?
The vitamin C in strawberries, grapefruit, oranges, and pineapples, decreases uric acid levels and helps to avoid gout attacks.
2- How do you break up gout crystals?
If you have gout, drink at least 10-12 eight-ounce glasses of water every day. This will aid in the removal of uric acid crystals from your body.
3- What is a fast cure for gout?
The fastest way to cure gout is the use of anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen which can be purchased over the counter.