If you are struggling with stiff and painful joints, you might be suffering from arthritis. While your GP will advise you on the best treatment for you there are some foods that may ease the pain in your joints.

1. Oily fish: The omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish block the production of chemicals that trigger inflammation.
2. Brazil Nuts: Selenium found in Brazil nuts acts as an antioxidant and boosts your immune system.
3. Avocados: Avocados contain Vitamin E, which helps protect fatty acids from damage
4. Seeds: Sunflower and pumpkin seeds can help reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals due to an essential fatty acid called GLA.
5. Berries: Anthocyanins, which are found in strong-coloured berries, help to reduce free radicals, which are responsible for inflammation of tissue.
6. Citrus fruit: The Vitamin C found in citrus fruit can help fight inflammation and also promotes healing after injuries.
7. Pineapple: The enzyme bromelain found in pineapple is said to relieve swelling and pain.
8. Ginger: Ginger can helps to block chemicals, that promote inflammation.

Most of these ingredients can easily be included in cake and biscuit recipes.

• Brazil nuts are used in all sorts of cookies as well as home-made granola and trailmix. Avocado oil can be used as an alternative to olive oil or sunflower oil in bread or cakes.
• Sunflower and pumpkin seeds I also use in granola and trailmix, as well as bread and as a topping on cakes or breads.
• Berries, fresh or dried, are great in cereals, muffins and cheese cakes.
• Citrus fruit can also be used fresh as a topping for cheese cakes or of course my lovely lemon cake.
• Pineapple can be a great ingredient in carrot cake and ginger can go in almost any cake, ginger cake and carrot cake being the obvious ones.

I enjoy trying out new combinations and experimenting with new ingredients. Sometimes it goes horribly wrong but sometimes I might just come up with a lovely new recipe.