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What is Inflammation and How Can Certain Foods Help?
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to protect itself from disease and infection, and chronic inflammation can lead to more serious health issues. Fortunately, our bodies often tell us what it needs and certain foods can help reduce inflammation and improve our overall health.
An anti-inflammatory diet rich in antioxidants like omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain good health. Other nutrients like monounsaturated fats, gingerol, curcumin, carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium can also help fight inflammation. Let’s explore what some of those foods are and how they contribute to better health.
Everyone has their own personal food preferences, but here are 10 Superfoods to enjoy while they work to fight inflammation in your body:
Blueberries contain vitamin C, fiber, and are packed with antioxidants and other nutrients that can help reduce inflammation. They contain compounds called polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage caused by an excess of free radicals and oxidative stress.
Strawberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that are rich in magnesium, vitamin C, phosphorus, and also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Bananas have high levels of potassium and the fiber they contain can help protect the body from inflammatory processes. Bananas are also a good source of vitamins A, B6, and C, making it one of the healthiest snacks you can eat.
Broccoli is high in potassium and magnesium. It also has flavonoids and carotenoids, which are two antioxidants that work to reduce inflammation, increase cerebral blood flow, protect arteries, and reduce cell damage according to the University of Georgia.
Leafy greens like kale, collards, cabbage and Swiss chard are nutritional and powerful foods found to be effective in reducing inflammation. Spinach is rich in antioxidants and contains plenty of folate (a vitamin B) that has been found to reduce inflammation when eaten regularly.
Nuts like pecans, walnuts, Brazil nuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seed, and nut butters contain healthy fats, antioxidants and other nutrients that can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. They are also a great source of protein and fiber, which can help keep you feeling full for longer periods of time.
Avocados contain vitamin E, which helps reduce inflammation in the body. They also possess phytosterols, which help protect the body from heart disease and cancer by lowering LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. They also contain antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin that regulate your vision and immune system.
Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein that has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that help fight against chronic diseases by lowering the risk of heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis, as well as improving your mood. It also contains fiber, and is said to lower cholesterol levels by dissolving cholesterol deposits in the arteries.
Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit and lemon are rich in antioxidants that can help protect against oxidative stress. They are a great source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system and helps to fight off infection. So if you're looking for a natural way to reduce inflammation, adding citrus fruits to your diet may be the answer!
Oily fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to reducing inflammation as well.
Everything on the list may not be on your list of favorite foods, but it is important to do all you can to eat the foods your body needs to be at your best. An anti-inflammatory diet fights inflammation and can improve your overall health. Additionally, Red Light Therapy is a form of complementary care that is proving to be very effective at reducing inflammation at a cellular level. Combining the power of our Whole Body Pods with a healthier diet can give your body the support it needs to live a healthier more balanced life.
A.J. Harewood
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The information contained in this article, and information curated from third-party links are for informational purposes only and should not be used or interpreted as diagnosis or medial advice. It is your sole responsibility to consult with your medical doctor regarding any therapy plans or complementary care you might be considering for your personal medical care.
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