15 Diverse Superfoods that Fight Inflammation

One of the simplest ways to prevent, and even reduce, chronic inflammation in the body is with your diet. By eating high-quality superfoods, including herbs, spices, vegetables and seeds, you can pack your meals with anti-inflammatory ingredients.   Scientists have discovered that chronic inflammation is the source of many illnesses, including cancer, obesity and heart disease. Essentially, this makes inflammation the leading cause of death in many countries. Superfoods for Inflammation Luckily, you have a choice in what you eat. If you choose to eat processed foods, refined sugars, fried foods and foods high in trans fats, you will likely increase inflammation in the body. On the other hand, choose a diet high in anti-inflammatory superfoods, and you’ll improve your health and well-being. Here is a diverse list of the best foods with anti-inflammatory properties. Spices 1. Cloves Cloves have an incredibly high level of antioxidants and are full of Omega-3 fatty acids. This makes cloves a great anti-inflammatory spice. In addition, cloves also inhibit the product of the enzyme 5-Lipoxygenase. This enzyme is an inflammatory mediator involved in allergic and inflammatory disorders such as arthritis. 2. Ginger Ginger is a root spice known for its beneficial effects on circulation and digestion, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains compounds knows as gingerols. These compounds offer protection from damaging free-radicals that trigger an inflammatory response in the body, particularly in the gut. Hence, ginger is a common natural remedy for various types of digestive ailments. 3. Turmeric The active ingredient in turmeric, called curcumin, gives the spice its pungent smell and golden color. Curcumin reduces inflammation by hunting down free oxygen radicals in the body. It also inhibits the production of NF-kappa B, a compound that’s integral to triggering inflammation. In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is used to remedy inflammatory conditions such as all types of arthritis. 4. Cinnamon Cinnamon is a common spice used in baked goods. It fights inflammation by stimulating the production of the protein tristetraprolin. This results in a therapeutic anti-inflammatory effect in the human body. 5. Black Pepper Black pepper’s aroma molecule, called beta-caryophyllene (BCP), functions as a cannabinoid. Similar to other plant-based cannabinoids, BCP binds with the cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system. This gives black pepper its therapeutic effect of reducing inflammation. Fruits and Vegetables 6. Kale The nutritional density of kale is what gives it its high anti-inflammatory properties. This leafy vegetable offers abundant vitamin A, vitamin K and vitamin C. It is also loaded with all essential amino acids. An easy way to gain the anti-inflammatory benefits of kale is by juicing it. Other green leafy vegetables are also a great addition to an anti-inflammatory diet. 7. Broccoli and Broccoli Sprouts Fresh broccoli, as well as other cruciferous vegetables, are naturally high in the compound sulforaphane. This compound has a strong anti-inflammatory affect, in addition to offering many other health benefits. Interestingly, broccoli sprouts offer the highest concentration of sulforaphane. They contain 20 to 50 times more of this chemoprotective [...]