Inflammation is a precursor to a wide range of health problems! According to health experts, inflammation is what triggers the symptoms of diseases like allergies, asthma, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibrosis, GERD, heart attack, and dozen more.
Beating inflammation is the key to a long, happy, healthy life!
If you want to prevent or manage inflammation the natural way, here are some of the best anti-inflammatory foods around:
1. Ginger
Ginger contains gingerol, a group of anti-inflammatory compounds that can deal with the swelling in your joints, circulatory system, and digestive tract. Ginger is a known remedy to deal with motion sickness, and it can even give your immune system a boost.
2. Cinnamon
The anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon make it effective at combating high blood sugar, boosting brain function, and eliminating bacteria.
3. Cherries
These tart, tangy little fruits are loaded with Vitamin C and other antioxidants, specifically flavonoids that counteract inflammation. Tart cherries have been proven effective at reducing the pain of gout, arthritis, and even exercise-induced swelling in your muscles. It can also reduce inflammatory markers in your body.
4. Onions
Thanks to the sulfurous compounds in onions, you can beat inflammation! Onions are powerful anti-inflammatory foods, and they can help to lower your cholesterol levels as well. They’re not just tasty when added to your meals, but they’re amazing for your health. Bonus: Leeks, chives, and garlic all offer similar health benefits.
5. Turmeric
This bright, tasty root is loaded with curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound that will do wonders to reduce swelling in your body. Curcumin can also help to reduce pain by suppressing the production of the chemicals that cause inflammation. Definitely the way to go!
6. Walnuts
Walnuts are one of the best sources of plant-based Omega-3s. These fatty acids are effective at reducing inflammation in the body. You get more Omega-3s in walnuts than any other nut, and the fatty acids will combat swelling in your heart, your bloodstream, your joints, and your brain. Guaranteed to improve your health.
7. Pineapple
This delicious tropical fruit is an amazing source of bromelain, an enzyme that is very useful when dealing with muscular injuries. Bromelain can reduce swelling, enabling your body to make repairs to damaged muscle and connective tissue. It’s also an effective digestive aid, and it can reduce the pains caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
8. Carrots
Loaded with Vitamin A, carrots are one of the healthiest veggies around. The carotenoids in carrots protect your body from the damage caused by inflammation and free radicals. Bonus: Pretty much any orange food is a good source of these carotenoids–apricots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, orange bell peppers, etc.
9. Flaxseed
If you want a lot of Omega-3 fatty acids but can’t bring yourself to swallow a tablespoon of fish oil, flaxseeds are a great alternative. They have high concentrations of Omega-3s, and you’ll find that the fatty acids these seeds provide will go a long way toward beating inflammation in your body.
10. Leafy Greens
The darker the better! Dark, leafy greens are rich in flavonoids, antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation in the brain, reduce your risk of cancer, and improve heart health.
Bonus: Red Wine
Red wine contains the same flavonoids you get from leafy greens and red cherries, making it a powerful anti-inflammatory. Plus, it’s absolutely delicious!
If you want to fight inflammation and reduce your risk of a wide range of diseases, these are the foods you need to add to your diet.