People with gout need to eat foods that contain low amounts of purines. Purines are compounds that break down into uric acid and cause gout flares. Broccoli is a low purine vegetable and an excellent choice for people with gout.
Gout is a condition that occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in joints, often the big toe.
The body makes uric acid by breaking down purines in food. Consuming a diet low in animal products and alcohol and high in vegetables and fruits can help decrease uric acid levels and prevent gout flares.
This article explores the benefits of broccoli for gout, reviews other good foods for people with the condition, and provides links to some recipes containing broccoli.
Broccoli offers several benefits for individuals with gout.
Low purine content
With a purine content of
Consuming low purine foods such as broccoli can help individuals minimize the production of uric acid in the body, reducing the risk of uric acid crystal formation in the joints and lowering the likelihood of gout flares.
Other potential benefits
In addition to being low in purines, broccoli contains various substances that support overall health and potentially aid in managing gout:
- Vitamins: Broccoli is a
rich source of vitamins, including vitamin C. According to a2021 review , some studies suggest a high vitamin C intake helps lower uric acid in the blood, while other studies show no difference. - Antioxidants: These may help
reduce inflammation . - Fiber: The high fiber content of broccoli
can aid in weight management and help with reducing obesity, a risk factor for gout.
Can broccoli trigger gout flare-ups?
Broccoli’s low purine content makes it
Gout flare-ups
Purines are compounds that break down into uric acid, meaning that consuming high-purine foods can increase uric acid levels and potentially trigger gout flares.
Broccoli recipesBelow are links to some delicious recipes that incorporate broccoli:
Doctors
These eating patterns emphasize the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy products while reducing the intake of overall fat and saturated fat.
Recent
In addition to broccoli, several other foods, vitamins, and supplements
- vitamins A, E, and C
- minerals, including potassium, zinc, calcium, copper, iron, and selenium
- dietary fiber from whole grains, vegetables, and fruits
- low fat or fat-free dairy products
- protein from soy, beans, and other plants
It may be best to consult a doctor or registered dietitian who can provide tailored recommendations.
People with gout need to be mindful of high purine foods.
Some foods to limit or avoid
- Organ meats: Liver, kidneys, and sweetbreads are particularly high in purines.
- Certain kinds of seafood: High-purine options include anchovies, sardines, shrimp, and lobster.
- Red meat: It may be best to limit the intake of red meat, such as beef, lamb, and pork, as these contain moderate levels of purines.
- Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages, particularly beer, increase the risk of gout flares.
- Sugary beverages and foods: Some
studies suggest that sweets, desserts, and drinks that contain high fructose corn syrup may increase uric acid levels.
This section answers some common questions about vegetables and gout.
What vegetables are not good for gout?
No vegetables are inherently bad for gout. Vegetables are
What vegetables flush uric acid?
While no specific vegetables are scientifically proven to flush uric acid from the body, eating vegetables
Broccoli is a beneficial food for individuals with gout due to its low purine content.
This means it is unlikely to contribute to uric acid production or trigger gout flare-ups.
Broccoli is also rich in nutrients, such as vitamin C and antioxidants, which can support overall health and potentially lower inflammation in the body.