Inflammation can be useful when it comes to protecting your health, but other times it can be quite cumbersome, especially when chronic. Conditions such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease have been linked to chronic inflammation, which can be painful.
However, the most powerful aid to ease inflammation doesn’t come from the pharmacy but the grocery store. Eating anti-inflammatory foods can help you feel better and provide you with all the necessary nutrients. Add these six superfoods to reduce inflammation naturally now.
6. Edamame
Edamame is a great source of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin K. These young soybeans can help reduce inflammation due to their isoflavones, soy peptides, and other compounds that target inflammatory intermediaries. Plus, edamame is a great source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which also pack a punch when fighting inflammation.
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5. Pumpkin Seeds
Grab a quick snack and reduce inflammation in your body with pumpkin seeds. They have a high antioxidant content, particularly carotenoids and vitamin E, which battle against inflammation and can even help with migraines. Pumpkin seeds also have lignans, which help with inflammation and overall health, supporting lower blood sugar levels and a healthy heart. Chia seeds and flaxseeds are also great options.
4. Yogurt
Perfect for gut health and decreased insulin resistance, yogurt is also a great food to reduce inflammation. While it is possible that the probiotics in yogurt lead to lowered inflammation, more tests need to be done to confirm it. Others claim regular yogurt consumption can also lead to lower levels of chronic inflammation, just make sure you choose a yogurt with a lower sugar content.
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3. Salmon
A superfood in so many ways, salmon can also help reduce inflammation with the use of omega-3 fatty acids. The fish helps improve blood flow, is good for your heart, and can even reduce joint pain from rheumatoid arthritis or back pain. If you are not a fan of salmon, other types of cold-water fish can help, such as sardines, tuna, and mackerel. Make sure to avoid fish with high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which can increase inflammation.
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2. Sweet/Tart Cherries
Cherries, both sweet (Bing) and tart (red), are a great fruit to reduce inflammation because of their high levels of anthocyanins. These powerful antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties and can also help with muscle recovery after exercise and potentially even reduce symptoms of arthritis and gout. You can add these to a salad, dessert, or have them plain as a midday snack.
1. Blueberries
Last but not least are blueberries to help reduce inflammation. The fruit is full of phytonutrients and antioxidants that help fight inflammation in the body. Even if you can’t buy fresh blueberries, grab a bag of frozen and enjoy the same nutrients. Other fruits that have strong inflammation properties include strawberries, oranges, and avocados. You can have blueberries on their own or with a host of other things.
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