8 Surprising Foods That Keep You Flexible

July 5, 2023

You might have noticed that you are having difficulty reaching your toes or doing some stretches. If you are like most people, you struggle with tight hamstrings, stiff hips, or problems moving your joints comfortably. For men, some may think their boxer shorts are too tight, but they're not. While men need flexible boxer shorts, especially when working out, there are other things to consider. One solution is to get serious about your diet, and your flexibility will come afterward. You might be surprised, but there are foods you can eat that will improve your overall fitness and enhance your flexibility. The following foods are great at enhancing your flexibility; adding them to your diet will give you great results in no time.

1. Blueberries

Blueberries stemming from a branch

When your muscles are too inflamed, the harder it will be for you to improve your flexibility. You don't have to buy over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation. An anti-inflammatory diet will help you manage inflamed muscles completely. Blueberries are one of the foods that work wonders for your health, offering exceptional anti-inflammatory properties. They provide quick muscle recovery and prevent sore muscle joints.

2. Oranges

Oranges are some of the foods that have high amounts of vitamin C. You'll produce more free radicals in your body naturally when you exercise. Take some oranges next time after an intense workout. Having them in your diet will incredibly help improve your level of flexibility.

3. Ginger

Fresh ginger placed on a red chopping board

When you include ginger in your diet, it will help promote your flexibility. Ginger is one of the most effective superfoods you can add to your diet to keep your ligaments, tendons, and joints flexible. This health benefit is because of its stimulating effect on the circulatory system and its anti-inflammatory properties. Try making some delicious ginger-honey tea and enjoy.

4. Green vegetables

Having dark, green leafy vegetables such as spinach, chard, watercress, seaweed, and kale in your diet can increase your flexibility. These green vegetables contain high water content, which is necessary in order for your body to flush out acids. Adding some fresh vegetables and fruits to your diet increases metabolism and the supply of nutrients.

5. Barley grass

Green barley swaying in a grass field

You can add some barley grass extract to your meals daily. It contains beta carotene and high amounts of iron and calcium, and they all play a role in promoting your overall well-being and increasing flexibility. It's essential to start your day with a glass of water and take some barley grass extract, too, before you begin your exercise routine.

6. Proteins

Nuts and seeds, chicken, beans, olive oil, veggies, fresh fruits, avocados, and whole grains contain protein and enhance flexibility. In order to avoid injuries and increase flexibility when you exercise, you need vegetables and fruits since they have a very high water content. Your muscles might get stiff from fluid retention caused by chronic inflammation. Alkaline conditions reduce inflammation. Turmeric can also help due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

7. Spirulina

If you make morning smoothies, try to mix them with this. You'll be surprised by how much your flexibility will improve. It's an alga that has a lot of essential vitamins such as B complex and beta carotene. They both help enhance your muscle strength. You'll be able to stretch easily, and it prevents muscle cramps too.

8. Sulfur or amino acids

Foods that contain amino acids and sulfur helps make your joints flexible. Onions, egg yolk, garlic, cruciferous vegetables, and red peppers help increase your muscle's flexibility while working out.

Bottom line

All of the healthy foods on this list are beneficial to your joints, but you should also avoid junk food before working out. Junk food contains excessive sodium that leads to inflammation. Coffee and alcohol are not good either since they can cause dehydration. Other foods you should avoid include processed carbs and foods that contain a high amount of sugar.

Catch this video for more information on how to keep your body flexible