Inflammation is a problem that doctors are seeing in patients a lot more often than they used to. It’s a natural response in the body whenever an infection or injury occurs. Consequences can include heat, pain, swelling, and redness.
Acute inflammation is usually a protective response, but it can also turn into chronic inflammation that restricts tissue function. When joints get inflamed, they can cause swelling and stiffness.
Inflammation also happens more with rising obesity rates, which alarms doctors. However, anti-inflammatory foods can help. Chocolate, some nuts, and fish with omega-3 fatty acids can all help.
There are also anti-inflammatory spices that can be added to a broader diet on a regular basis. They include:
- Black Pepper: This spice has piperine as a chemical compound that is possibly effective in the early stages of acute inflammation. Black pepper also has great flavor and antioxidant and antibacterial benefits.
- Cayenne: Even the ancients knew what hot chili peppers could do. Modern science identified natural compounds known as capsaicinoids that provide anti-inflammatory properties. This spice is also a digestive aid.
- Cinnamon: This is a popular spice found in the flavoring of a lot of baked treats. You can keep an ample supply of this available for use on your breakfast cereal or even in your tea and coffee.
- Clove: Cloves are useful as an expectorant, an anti-inflammatory, and for nausea or upset stomach. Use powdered cloves in savory dishes or baked goods. Whole cloves can add nutrients and taste to hot beverages.
- Garlic: Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties proven by science that help anyone with arthritis. It only takes a little to do a lot, and fresh garlic can be used in most savory dishes. Roast a garlic head if you want a milder and sweeter taste to it.
- Ginger: This is a zesty spice found in many different cuisines. Buy it in most grocery stores as either a fresh root or in powdered form. The anti-inflammatory properties have been known for a long time—it has been used for infections, headaches, and upset stomachs.
- Turmeric: This yellow spice is a frequent component of Indian dishes. Most grocery stores carry it, and it has historical uses for treating liver disease, colds, infections, and wounds. Curcumin is a compound in this spice that might have anti-inflammatory properties.