9 Anti-inflammatory foods that reduce pain
Have you ever felt less pain from an injury after eating certain meals? That’s because the foods you eat can increase or decrease inflammation. You are what you eat and making your food decisions impacts your health. Inflammation causes swelling, redness, discomfort, pain, and heat to your body. It can be treated with drugs for people with chronic pain, but a better alternative is adding anti-inflammatory foods to your diet. Research has shown that the nine foods below can help reduce pain. Let’s explore them.
- Hot Peppers
It’s common to see peppers in the majority of Asian meals. They are hot in your mouth, but soft on joint pains. Why so?
Peppers contain a compound known as capsaicin which makes your body feel hot and it has been known to have an anti-inflammatory effect and antioxidant properties.
- Coffee
Your favorite cup of coffee helps reduce pain as well. Some research has indicated that even 100 milligrams of brewed coffee can ease the pain after an exhausting task.
Coffee is the most common source of caffeine, but you can drink tea or chocolate as well.
- Fruits
If you are a frequent fruit eater, your body can’t thank you enough. Replacing processed snack foods with apples, pineapple, cherries, and berry types is the best decision you can ever make.
Fruits and veggies have antioxidants that boost your body’s resistance against damage causing radicals.
- Ginger
The scent alone assures you that you will clear the plate. Traditional medicine is known for its stomach-soothing and anti-nausea properties. It also helps fight pain especially joint related and menstrual cramps.
A study showed that ginger capsules worked as effectively as anti-inflammatory drugs from the counter. Speaking about the medical approach, you can apply a muscle pain relief cream on the affected area.
- Nuts and Seeds
Boost your nuts and seed intake to help reduce inflammation. Most nuts and seeds are rich in magnesium, vitamin E, and L-arginine which play significant roles in keeping inflammation under control. The raw unsalted nuts especially are the real deal.
Doctors recommend almonds, peanuts, flax seeds, pistachios, and chia seeds which are easier to find.
- Turmeric
The orange-yellow spice is pleasing to the eye, and it makes curries delicious and colorful. It’s also good food for people with high inflammation. You only have to include turmeric in your diet. It has a compound known as curcumin which has been found to be as effective as anti-inflammatory medications.
Curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidants. It’s a better alternative because it has no side effects like the medication itself.
- Olive Oil
Olive oil has been around for centuries and people don’t seem to get enough of it. People who eat a traditional Mediterranean diet featuring olive oil have shown fewer health conditions and have fewer risks of diabetes and joint diseases.
No wonder researchers had the interest to unravel the benefits of olive oil and its ability to reduce inflammation. Olive oil has more benefits to your body.
- Beans
You need a few grams of protein every day. Why don’t you swap the meat with a serving of beans? Beans are affordable, and one cup carries 15 grams of protein. They also have anti-inflammatory properties like fiber and phytonutrients.
Beans have essential minerals like potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and folic acid. Avoid overeating beans to prevent bloating and drink water after the meal.
- Green Leafy Veggies
It would be unfair to close without mentioning the veggies. Vegetables like bok choy, chard, kale, and silverbeet are anti-inflammatory since they are packed with anti-inflammatory carotenoids.
The carotenoids give the plants their green or vibrant orange color and make them great foods to reduce inflammation.
Conclusion
It’s important to stick to a diet that positively impacts your health. If you don’t have any of the foods mentioned above, sadly, your diet is not complete. What you eat defines you, and incorporating some of the foods mentioned above will help you a long way. Your next meal should have pepper!