According to the Arthritis Foundation, an estimated 1.3 million individuals are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the United States. RA is characterized as an autoimmune disease that’s progressive in nature. This form of arthritis triggers an immune system attack on small joints (i.e., fingers, wrists, hands, ankles, and feet). While traditional treatments for RA, including exercise and medications, aim to reduce painful symptoms and severity of arthritic flare ups, research claims that several foods when incorporated into a regular diet may help decrease inflammation and chronic pain.

The following so called superfoods are linked to soothing arthritis symptoms due to their valuable antioxidant, natural pain relieving, and anti-inflammatory prowess:

1. Turmeric
The pungent bright orange spice is a popular additive to Indian and Middle Eastern dishes, however, this tangy spice is also known for it’s natural anti-inflammatory benefits. Turmeric is chocked full of curcumin, a compound with benefits that reputedly naturally relieve pain while acting as an anti-inflammatory. It’s so effective that the National Arthritis Foundation considers it a natural remedy for individuals with RA.

2. Sweet potatoes
Forget boring old white and yellow potatoes. Get the added flavor and benefits of sweet potatoes, which are recommended for their natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers. Sweet potatoes are the only tadder jam-packed with vitamins C and A, both potent antioxidants that are also loaded with phytochemicals.

3. Walnuts
Walnuts, and nuts of almost all kind (i.e., Brazil nuts, pistachios, almonds, etc.) are known for a particularly healthy essential fatty acid—omega-3 fatty acids—which are natural inflammation fighters. In this case, the omegas come with lots of vitamin E, also known for lowering pain and joint swelling.

4. Dark berries
Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, and other juicy purple, red, and black berries have one very important thing in common—they’re potent fighters of joint swelling and painful inflammation. This is all thanks to a triad of plant compounds including beta-cryptoxanthin (a type of plant cartinoid), quercetin, and routine, which have been shown to reduce RA symptoms.