LIVE BETTER

The muscle soreness and joint stiffness that slow down 56% of women over 50 won’t put a damper on your fun, thanks to superfoods proven to work more effectively than OTC pain meds!

1 WATERMELON EASES INFLAMMATION

Soothing muscle and joint pain can be as easy (and delicious!) as adding 2 cups of watermelon to your daily diet. Why? The juicy fruit is rich in a trio of nutrients that work synergistically to reduce inflammation and soothe overactive pain nerves. To make a slushie for one, combine 1 cup of watermelon, 3 ice cubes, 3 tbsp. of lime juice and a sprinkle of salt in a blender until smooth.

2 AVOCADO NOURISHES CARTILAGE

If summer’s uptick in activity leaves you with achy joints, eating three avocados a week can help ease your pain by 33 percent. That’s the word from researchers at the University of Arizona, who say the gems are rich in tissue-healing carotenoids (12 times more than any other fruit), plus they’re brimming with anti-inflammatory, cartilage-nourishing plant oils.

4 GREENS DIAL BACK PAIN HORMONES

Yet another benefit of eating your greens: Gems like romaine, spinach, arugula and kale are packed with chlorophyll and vitamin K. This nutrient combo slows the body’s production of pain-triggering hormones called prostaglandins, cutting stiffness and aches by 25 percent, say Stanford University researchers. The healing dose: 1 cup daily.

3 SALMON CALMS PAIN SIGNALS

Adding 6 oz. of salmon to your meal plan three times a week can alleviate aches and pains by 34 percent, report researchers in the journal Advances in Therapy. That’s because the seafood is packed with healthy fats that calm the nerves that carry pain signals to the brain, plus the fats boost circulation so nutrient-rich blood can reach the damaged tissues that need it.

5 BERRIES SPEED TISSUE REPAIR

Fun in the sun can fatigue your muscles, causing pain and stiffness. The tasty Rx: fresh or frozen berries. According to researchers at Michigan State University in East Lansing, the anthocyanins that give these treasures their vibrant color also activate the enzymes that speed muscle repair to cut healing time in half and ease pain more effectively than aspirin.