Many experts recommend an anti-inflammatory diet for people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These diets, such as a Mediterranean diet, are rich in fruits and vegetables. Smoothies make it easy to get more of some of the best foods for rheumatoid arthritis, such as ingredients that have been found to fight inflammation. Whether you like breakfast smoothies or enjoy these thick, nutritious drinks later in the day, a smoothie is a great way to add anti-inflammatory ingredients to your diet.

Inflammation caused by an overactive immune system is linked to joint pain and other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. A diet that includes foods with anti-inflammatory properties, along with your RA treatment plan, can help you feel your best.

What Are Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients?

Anti-inflammatory foods such as whole fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants (like vitamin C) and polyphenols, which are naturally occurring plant compounds that help prevent damage to cells. In addition to fighting inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis and potentially helping with pain relief, anti-inflammatory foods are heart-healthy and may help improve your overall well-being.

Avoid Adding Sugar or Fruit Juice to Smoothies

A smoothie can help increase your intake of anti-inflammatory foods, but it’s important to avoid adding sugar or fruit juice. Fruit juice is high in naturally occurring sugar (fructose), which can spike blood sugar and add unwanted calories. When juice is produced, most of the fruit’s fiber, which helps the body regulate blood sugar and hunger, is removed from the final product. Study findings have linked higher-fiber diets with lower inflammation.

Many people like to keep a supply of frozen bananas and other fruits in their freezers to toss into smoothies. Not only does this ease preparation, but researchers have reported that frozen fruits and vegetables sometimes have even more beneficial qualities than fresh.

Here are three smoothie recipes with anti-inflammatory ingredients that you can enjoy for a delicious breakfast or lunch or a healthy snack.

1. Fruity Smoothie

Hemp seeds, which are rich in stress-lowering magnesium, give an even bigger nutritional boost to this simple, fruity Stress Less Smoothie from Prevention.

2. Spinach Special

Thanks to plenty of spinach, Mayo Clinic’s Green Smoothie is packed with anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals.

3. Avocado Smoothie

Jason Mraz’s Avocado Green Smoothie from EatingWell is a rich blend of fruits and vegetables. Avocado is not only an anti-inflammatory food, it also has healthy fats that have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease when eaten at least twice a week. People with rheumatoid arthritis have a higher risk of developing heart disease, making this smoothie an especially worthy addition to your menu.

Get Creative With Your Smoothies

You can try all kinds of combinations of your favorite fruits and veggies for a healthy smoothie full of anti-inflammatory ingredients. For added creaminess, add a tablespoon of almond butter, Greek yogurt, or safflower, avocado, or olive oil.

For more health benefits, consider adding a half teaspoon of cinnamon or turmeric. Turmeric is a yellow spice that contains the compound curcumin, which has been found to reduce inflammation in autoimmune conditions and may help reduce arthritis pain and swelling.

Talk to Others Who Understand

On myRAteam, the social network for people with rheumatoid arthritis and their loved ones, more than 206,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with rheumatoid arthritis.

Do you make smoothies with anti-inflammatory ingredients? What are your favorite ingredient combinations? Share your tips in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.