Healthy joints depend on much more than one “superfood,” but nutrition can still play an important supporting role. One nutrient that matters particularly for connective tissue is **vitamin C**, because the body needs it to make collagen—a structural protein found in cartilage, tendons, ligaments, skin, and bone.
Two simple fruits can help you meet your vitamin C needs naturally: **oranges and strawberries**.
They will not rebuild worn cartilage overnight or cure arthritis, but they can contribute to the nutrients your body needs to maintain normal connective tissue.
## Why Collagen Matters for Your Joints
Collagen is one of the main structural proteins in the human body.
In joints, it is an important component of cartilage—the firm tissue that covers the ends of bones and helps joints move smoothly.
As people age, changes in collagen and cartilage are part of the normal aging process. Joint discomfort can also result from osteoarthritis, injuries, excess mechanical stress, inflammation, muscle weakness, or other medical conditions.
Diet alone cannot prevent all of these problems, but adequate nutrition provides the raw materials required for normal tissue maintenance.
## Why Vitamin C Is So Important
