Arthritis is a medical condition which causes pain and inflammation in a joint.
Inflammation means damaged cells have released chemical alarm signals that attract immune cells into the area.
These chemicals cause tiny blood vessels to dilate, bringing more oxygen, nutrients and white blood cells into the area to hasten the healing response.
They also irritate nerve endings to let you know something is wrong and, if necessary, limit movement to prevent further damage.
Surprisingly, the humble sweet potato is just one of the foods which has been hailed for its anti-arthritis and anti-inflammatory properties.
Sweet potatoes are highly recommended for people suffering from arthritis as they are one of the best dietary sources of beta-carotene but also provide a healthy dose of Vitamin C.
These reactions lead to the typical symptoms and signs of inflammation: redness, swelling, increased temperature, pain and stiffness of the affected area.
After it was revealed there is a link between ibuprofen link and heart failure - experts argue over the counter painkillers can raise the risk by almost 20 per cent - people are reconsidering their use of the drug and looking towards natural remedies.
Lynne McTaggart, author of Arthritis - drug free alternatives to prevent and reverse arthritis, said: "Vegetables lead to the list of anti-arthritis foods to eat, especially dark leafy green and brightly coloured veggies - Swiss chard, kale, spinach, rocket, beetroot, peppers and carrots, sweet potatoes, not white potatoes, yams, onions, parsnips, turnips, squashes and shiitake mushrooms.
"Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts are particularly healing for arthritis conditions, as are asparagus, pak choi, cauliflower, celery cabbage and fennel."
However, she added broccoli is an ‘arthritis-fighting champion’.
"Studies have found that eating a serving of broccoli every day could prevent and slow the spread of osteoarthritis," she added.
"Sulphoraphane, a compound in the vegetable, slows the destruction of joint cartilage by blocking enzymes and interfering with the inflammatory processes associated with osteoarthritis."
She said researchers from the University of East Anglia found eating a handful a every day might prevent the disease or slow its progress once it’s been diagnosed.
Shona Wilkinson, nutritionist, said: "One of the most important aspects of reducing inflammation and pain is to ensure a good acid-alkaline balance in the blood.
"Most fresh vegetables are alkalising, in particular green vegetables such as spinach, rocket, broccoli or green beans – aim to include two servings a day of these.
""Most fruits are also alkalising, although eat them in moderation due to the sugar content."
Cassandra Barns, Nutritionist added: "They are high in antioxidants, which neutralise free radicals produced at the site of inflammation.
"You can find them in dark-coloured berries, dark green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach and the orange vegetables and fruit such as carrots, sweet potato and apricots."
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