by Jill Perry

The best fresh fruits and vegetables to juice for the treatment of arthritis are those rich in antioxidants, vitamins C, E, K, calcium, copper, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), bioflavonoids or bromelain.
 
These include: broccoli, kale, carrot, root ginger, apple, cherries, blueberries, apricots, kiwi, mango, dark green leafy vegetables (spinach with its high iron content should be limited), pineapple (the only source of bromelain, which very effectively fights inflammation and acts as a muscle stimulant), and red bell peppers contain excellent pain-killing properties.
 
It should also be noted that seeds and their oils, including sunflower, play an important part too, in a healthy diet, and are rich in vitamin E.  Wholegrain cereals and wheatgerm oil are also rich in this vitamin, and are extremely beneficial in the fight against arthritis.  So, although a parrot’s diet should include a good variety of fresh foods and foods other than seeds, good quality seeds, which can be offered dried, soaked or sprouted, play an important part too, and should never be completely banished from a seed-eating parrot’s diet.

Photo courtesy of Leslie Moran.