Purines and Gout: Here’s What You Should Know

Purines are chemical compounds that are found in all human body cells. During the process of digestion, purines are broken down into uric acid. The latter is a very potent antioxidant that is known to keep the linings of blood vessels healthy. However, excessive purine can result in serious problems for the body.

Actually, the excessive quantities of uric acid lead to gout, a painful condition that impacts body joints. Gout can often strike rather unexpectedly and suddenly. If you notice a reddening of the skin around the joints or a heating sensation that goes rather strong, it is best to consult your medical practitioner.

What are Purine-rich Foods?

Foods that contain more than 100 mg of purine per serving of 100 g are considered purine-rich foods.  It is advisable to consume not more than 100 mg of purines daily. The following are some foods rich in purines which you should keep a watch on.

Purine-Rich Fruits and Meats

Apricots are a great source of potassium. These help maintain cardiovascular health. Raisins are yet another purine-rich food which are great sources of potassium, iron, and vitamin B. In addition to possessing vitamins C and K, Broccoli has a large number of antioxidants and is considered a purine-rich food too.

Among the meats, chicken is considered a purine-rich food as are pork and shrimp. Salmon are also purine-rich foods. It is important to moderate the quantities of these foods in your diet to keep a check on your purine intake.

Beans and legumes

Purine-rich beans and legumes include moong beans which are high in fiber content. They are also known to keep you satiated for a long period of time. Lentils are also rich in purines, magnesium, and folate. They are great for the heart as well.

Soybeans are great sources of protein and are rich in fiber content too.