Before we elaborate on the foods that fight inflammation let us give you a bird's eye view on what is inflammation.
When a foreign body enters our body, our immune system becomes alert and responds to it by causing inflammation.
Intermittent bouts of inflammation can be more good than bad to our system but when this inflammation persists even without a foreign object entering our body then it can become truly dangerous.
Diseases linked to chronic inflammation can be cancer, diabetes, heart diseases, arthritis, etc.
As the saying goes "We are what we eat", a lot of inflammation-causing diseases can be kept at bay by choosing the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones.
Instead of gulping down various medications from the pharmacy, inflammation-fighting foods can be consumed and this can be a sure remedy to help fight even chronic inflammations.
This article informs you about the various foods that can avert inflammation.
Papaya:
Being affectionately called the "fruit of angels", papaya is loaded with many amazing anti-inflammatory properties. It is the proud home of a pain relieving agent called papain which is a proteolytic enzyme. This enzyme can be as effective as any anti-inflammatory drug available in the pharmacy.
Also, it is loaded with several anti-oxidants, which exhibit anti-microbial, antihyperglycemic, antihypertension and anticancerous properties. Being stacked with many essential vitamins and minerals, this fruit gives a strong fight against inflammation.
Ginger:
Ginger's medicinal effect is well known for centuries. Armed with several phytochemicals like gingerol, shogaol, zingerone, etc., which are loaded with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, this vegetable is nature's valuable gift to mankind, to treat inflammation, without any side effects as seen in many pharmaceutical drugs.
It is effective in the cure of osteoarthritis because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric:
Curcumin is the main active ingredient in this yellow-coloured spice to fight inflammation. Let us explain how!
Many studies indicate that when curcumin inhibits the inflammation causing molecules such as cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2), lipooxygenase(LOX), leukotrienes and thromboxane, it effectively fights against inflammation.
Chia Seeds:
Chia seeds are the powerhouse of nutrients and minerals which give them anti-inflammatory properties. Being rich in fatty acids like alpha-linolenic and linolenic, mucin and strontium chia seeds are a sure shot remedy for inflammation.
By reversing the process of inflammation they are helpful in regulating cholesterol and lowering blood pressure.
Celery:
Celery is an excellent source of potassium, antioxidants and vitamins. This gives it the ability to fight inflammation to a great extent. Celery makes sure of the mineral balance in our system which is a key factor to reduce inflammation.
Cranberries:
Cranberries are very effective in treating inflammations. These are the best cure for rheumatoid arthritis including any inflammation in the stomach and the cardiovascular system.
These also boost immunity and are a storehouse of many powerful antioxidants. Being rich in phytonutrients, cranberries are a sure shot remedy for fighting against inflammation.
Walnuts:
Walnuts also fall in this category of inflammation-fighting foods. Let us see how! The production of neurotransmitters such as substance P and bradykinins are the culprits which increase the pain and inflammation in the affected area. Walnuts can effectively inhibit these neurotransmitters to a great extent, thus providing the human body a great relief.
Broccoli:
Broccoli is the best source of the antioxidant, sulforaphane, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It does this by reducing the system's level of cytokines and NF-kB which is responsible for increasing the inflammation to a great extent.
To conclude, why not resort to the gifts offered by Mother Nature instead of gulping down pharmaceutical medicines for fighting against inflammation? The above-listed foods, having powerful anti-inflammatory properties can go a long way in improving our immune system and keeping our body free from inflammations.
