http://www.epyk.com/459/top-7-anti-inflammatory-foods/
Inflammation is a natural body response, and it often occurs when something harms or irritates your body. However, besides the external factors that can trigger inflammation, there are several internal factors as well: inflammation can be the symptom of arthritis, for instance, and it can lead to serious diseases if left untreated. Fortunately, you can control inflammation naturally, by using anti-inflammatory foods. Here is a brief overview of some of the most powerful anti-inflammatory foods at the moment:
1. Garlic
Garlic is packed with antioxidants that prevent and treat colds, and it is also known for its anti-bacterial and antiviral properties. Garlic can benefit you on many different levels: it can boost your immune system, it can help you get rid of acne, it can help you keep your immune system under control and it is also perfect for keeping your weight under control. Besides this, garlic is also known for its great anti-inflammatory properties: the secret lies in the high sulfur contents that prevent the activation of inflammatory enzymes in the body.
2. Green Tea
Everybody knows that green tea is a great antioxidant, but how many people actually know the benefits of green tea to their full extent? This amazing beverage has anti-cancer properties, it can lower the levels of bad cholesterol, it can prevent cardiovascular disease and it can also fight infections. Moreover, green tea has mild anti-inflammatory effects as well and it can help those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. The secret? The high amounts of catechin polyphenols, which make green tea such a powerful antioxidant. The Chinese and Japanese people consume green tea on a regular basis, this is why they have considerably lower heart disease rates compared to other people.
3. Ginger
Ginger is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, and for a good reason: this is a wonder spice that has numerous health benefits, from improved digestion to anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger boosts your body’s natural capacity to absorb nutrients, it helps you treat common colds as well as stomach cramps. Moreover, it is great for cleansing sinuses (therefore ginger is a good natural treatment if you suffer from recurrent infections of the sinuses), and it is also great if you suffer from motion sickness. Also, as mentioned above, ginger has great anti-inflammatory properties which make it a reliable ally against joint pain: all you have to do is to pour several drops of ginger essential oil in your hot bath, and then enjoy it for half an hour. If you suffer from common respiratory problems or you are just tired of using NSAIDs to soothe the pain, then you should know that ginger can be a great ally.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric has also been widely used in both the Ayurvedic and the Chinese medicines for its strong anti-inflammatory properties. Despite the fact that it is used mainly in the kitchen rather than in traditional medicine, turmeric is still a very strong anti-aging, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory superfood. At the same time, studies have revealed that curcumin can relieve stiffness and arthritis pain and in some parts of the world, turmeric is used in conjunction with medical treatments for the treatment of certain types of cancer.
5. Red Cabbage
Red cabbage contains high amounts of phytochemicals and anthocyanins, which are believed to have a very strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. At the same time, red cabbage has special properties that lower cholesterol, and it also contains sinigrin, a compound that is widely used in cancer prevention research. If consumed on a regular basis, red cabbage can lower the risk for colon cancer and prostate cancer, but this depends mainly on the cooking method. Doctors recommend us to use steaming when cooking red cabbage, rather than microwaving or boiling, as steaming maintains its flavor and most of its benefits.
6. Onions
Onions are often very repulsive because of their taste and smell, but they contain phytonutrients that have strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. If you suffer from acute inflammation due to asthma, arthritis or auto-immune diseases, then onions are great natural anti-inflammatory vegetables. Moreover, they are also a great choice if you suffer from allergies or you have chronically swollen joints. In addition to this, onions contain sulfur, tannins and flavonoids, which make them strong antioxidants as well. If you are looking for a natural food that will keep your heart healthy in the long run, then look no further than onions: onions are exactly what you need to prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease over the years!
7. Tart Cherry
Tart cherries are small red fruits that contain anthocyanins and other notable phytochemicals that are known to support proper blood circulation, to have anti-cancer properties and to ensure the correct functioning of the nerves. Tart cherry juice is very beneficial both for children and for adults, as it increases their ability to fight oxidative stress, which is linked to cancer, diabetes and infections.
Tart cherry juice prevents the effects of carcinogens found in the air, thus reducing the risk for lung, liver or breast cancer. At the same time, the high amounts of quercetin make tart cherry a great choice for those who have high LDL levels. Last, but not least, this compound also acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that is perfect for alleviating the symptoms of asthma, as well as the symptoms of other respiratory conditions.
8. Oregano Oil
The benefits of oregano oil are many, but one of the most notable ones is that it can treat the upper respiratory tract infections, due to its antiviral and anti-microbial properties. At the same time, if consumed orally, oregano oil can also treat parasite infections in humans and kill harmful microorganism, therefore it is safe to say that oregano oil has strong antimicrobial properties.
The anti-inflammatory properties of oregano oil are no longer a secret to anybody: if you consume the oregano oil, it is perfect for relieving pain and discomfort triggered by internal factors, but if you use the oil as a topical cream, it can reduce the irritation and redness to the applied area, quickly and efficiently. Besides this, oregano oil is also great for hyper-sensitive people who suffer from allergies, as this oil has strong anti-allergic properties.
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