10 Foods that Fight Inflammation

There is a definite link between Inflammation and serious illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and asthma. Experts agree that prevention is the best approach to follow. In its own right Inflammation is not necessarily bad since this is the way the body’s healing process operates, but sometimes problems develop. Autoimmune diseases are classic examples of how the body’s internal defensive mechanisms could become self-destructive. The use of anti-inflammatory drugs is so widespread it almost seems as if there is no alternative, but there are other methods available. Eating anti-inflammatory foods may offer a more natural solution free from undesirable side effects.

Celery

Anyone who imagines that only exotic foodstuffs are likely to have anti-inflammatory properties will be surprised to learn that many common foods possess these qualities; a classic case in point is celery. This staple salad dish feature is a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants. Scientists’ investigations prove how it contains substances that help improve blood pressure and cholesterol ratings and strengthen resistance to heart disease. Celery seeds are especially favored for the way they can reduce inflammations and fight off infections carried by bacteria. They also contain healthy amounts of the potassium that assists the body to rid itself of poisons.

Beets

Natural food medicine experts point out that the distinctive deep coloring of beets is a sure sign that they rich in antioxidants. Beets provide an excellent source of the betalain antioxidant that does such a good job reducing inflammations. This vegetable also contains a fair amount of magnesium. Since some infections may be linked to magnesium deficiencies boosting the amount of this element in your body enhances natural protection. Magnesium is essential to prevent accumulations of calcium that can lead to kidney stones and trigger infections. With no shortage of recipes for tasty dishes containing beets, there is no excuse to bypass this valuable vegetable.

Broccoli

This vegetable virtually is an international symbol of healthy eating, but its high rating in natural healing circles is easy to understand once you learn more about its qualities. Since broccoli contains very high amounts of potassium and magnesium, this automatically places it in the top league of anti-inflammatory foods. The particular combination of vitamins and other substances in broccoli turn it into one of the best antioxidants. It lowers bodily stress and even reduces the risks of cancer attacking body cells.

Pineapple

A few hundred years ago Europe’s aristocracy viewed this tropical fruit as a great delicacy. One British aristocrat was so amazed at the pineapple that he commissioned a building on his estate in this shape! Now that it is so readily available pineapple has lost its mystique, but if you study how it helps fight off infections, you find many more reasons to be impressed. For example, it contains a substance called bromelain that reduces the infections the body’s immune system generates and it lessens the risks of strokes and heart disease. Pineapples supply healthy doses of vitamin C and B1, and they help to boost your manganese and potassium levels.

Coconut oil

Natural healing advocates have written at length about the health benefits of coconut oil. They often point out how it is very well-endowed with the antioxidants that lower inflammation. Research done in India supports claims that coconut oil is an effective anti-inflammatory. It is interesting to note that the researchers also found it did a better job of treating arthritis than several conventional medicines. It is a good idea to add coconut oil to effective anti-inflammatory vegetables in salads.

Walnuts

Walnuts make a tasty yet very healthy snack food. There is much to gain substituting them for one of your favorite manufactured snacks. They offer much more than a replacement of foods with potentially damaging artificial flavorings and other substances of doubtful benefit. Walnuts contain nutrients called phytonutrients, and these are supposed to lessen the risks of developing cardiovascular illnesses and Type 2 diabetes. Whether you prefer to eat them in a salad or as a snack, they make a sensible addition to your diet.

Turmeric

This is one of the items on your spice shelf that could legitimately be put into the medicine cabinet. The public knows it as a food enhancer, but its health value is little known outside natural health enthusiast circles. It is important to note that curcumin, the key element in Turmeric, is a very powerful anti-inflammatory substance. The role it can play in treating rheumatoid arthritis problems shows how potent it can be in the fight against inflammation.

Ginger

Ginger is another great example of a popular cooking spice with valuable, powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Natural health experts claim that ginger helps lessen inflammations that occur when the body’s immune system malfunctions. It warms up the body and assists in its detoxification. It seems that ginger could also help in treating allergic and asthmatic complaints. This is an area that requires much more research to discover how helpful ginger is in comparison with conventional treatments.

Blueberries

This favorite fruit contains the antioxidant substance called quercetin. In addition to blueberries, you also find quercetin in citrus fruits and olive oil. Some studies indicate that this material is effective lessening infections and it might even have a role in fighting cancer. Some researchers have discovered that eating blueberries also help slow down a decline in mental abilities and it also improves memory functioning.

Salmon

We have focused on the anti-inflammatory benefits of various vegetables, fruits, and spices because most healing foodstuffs fall into these categories. The majority of those interested in natural health seem to be vegetarians or vegans, but this is not a strict requirement. Salmon is a good example of a non-vegetarian foodstuff. It is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids that have both an anti-inflammatory role, and might also be of help in the fight against certain serious diseases.