Inflammation is one of the major causes of disease. Chronic illnesses are especially prevalent in people who have inflammation in their bodies and actively create inflammation. Thankfully, you can battle all the toxins in your environment that are causing inflammation by eating anti-inflammatory foods that help reduce inflammation. Fruits and vegetables that are in season during summer are rich in anti-inflammatory compounds that you can benefit from. Also, when you buy as local, seasonal, and organic as you can, you stand to gain the most benefits.
The following are summer foods that help reduce inflammation. When you include these in your summer diet, you will enjoy less inflammation and better health.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a delicious summer vegetable that can be prepared in many different ways. Packed with nutrients, it is a healthy addition to any meal. A compound called indole-3-carbinol is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Another, called sulforaphane, gives cauliflower a little bit of sulfur, which is helpful in slowing down the growth of tumors.
Add some turmeric as a seasoning for your cauliflower, and you receive even more anti-inflammatory benefits since turmeric is loaded with it.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a fruit that many consider to be a vegetable. Whatever you see it as, you should know it has a number of potent nutrients that contain anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as lycopene.
You will have to cook the tomatoes to release lycopene, so keep that in mind the next time you plan on having tomatoes for their anti-inflammatory properties. If you have rheumatoid arthritis and forget to cook your tomatoes, not to worry. Another compound called quercetin can reduce inflammation without needing to cook the tomatoes.
Strawberries
Strawberries are packed full of vitamin C. In fact, these little fruits contain more vitamin C than a medium-sized orange! You will definitely be getting over 100% of the daily requirements for this potent antioxidant. The way vitamin C reduces inflammation is by getting rid of free radicals. This protects your cells from getting damaged by inflammation. Vitamin C also supports the suppression of certain inflammatory proteins contained within the blood.
Summertime is the ideal time to eat strawberries since they’re in season. Berries, in general, contain a great deal of vitamin C, so if strawberries are not available, you can opt for blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries instead.
Avocados
Avocados have exploded in popularity in recent years, and for a good reason. These fruits contain a wealth of beneficial nutrients and compounds. You will get plenty of monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, fiber, and carotenoids. All of these will work synergistically to reduce any inflammation you may have in your body. What is even more impressive is that the bioactive compounds within avocados have the potential to counteract any inflammation that occurs due to your eating inflammation-causing foods loaded with saturated fats.
If you enjoy burgers, but worry that you are going to increase inflammation in your body, just top it off with some avocado. A study found that this will reduce the amount of inflammation you would get due to eating a burger. You can eat avocado in many different ways, so explore what’s possible and get this healthy fruit into your life more.
Garlic
Garlic is worth adding to your meals, even though it can have a sharp taste and strong odor. It will turn any meal into one that is anti-inflammatory. Garlic also has properties that help reduce the risk of getting cancer.
If you deal with joint pain, you will benefit from adding garlic to your meals. It will help reduce any pain or swelling you may have in your joints, just as it has helped do for countless others for centuries.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil is not seasonal, so you can use it year-round and have the same great quality. However, it pairs very nicely with fresh summer vegetables. You can also use it in salads and marinades.
There are healthy omega-3 fatty acids in extra-virgin olive oil. However, the real star is oleocanthal, which is the leading provider of anti-inflammatory benefits. It works by suppressing inflammatory compounds in your body. This has cemented extra-virgin olive oil as something that can reduce the risk of getting diseases involving the brain, heart, and joints. This oil can even protect you from compounds created while cooking or grilling using high heat.
Radishes
Radishes are a crunchy and vibrant vegetable that is not as commonly eaten as the others mentioned up until now. However, this is a root vegetable that should also adorn your plate. It is related to broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and boy-choy. In fact, all of these have anti-inflammatory properties when consumed on a regular basis.
They also help reduce your risk of getting cancer. This is likely due to the compounds they contain that have sulfur, called glucosinolates. The health effects will be seen when you eat radishes, or any of the cruciferous vegetables mentioned, at least five times a week.
Joint Supplements
Joint supplements are not technically a summer food, but they can provide supplementation of nutrients that may be missing from your diet. JointFuel360 is a popular joint supplement product that contains all-natural ingredients.
Wrapping Up
Don’t wait until joint pain sets in. You can implement strategies for health and wellness over the long term. An active lifestyle, combined with a healthy diet and quality health supplements is a great way to help you keep moving!
* These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
SOURCES:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/ageing-muscles-bones-and-joints
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/effects-of-aging/
https://www.healthline.com/health/osteoarthritis/understanding-aging-and-joints
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-best-ways-to-safeguard-your-joints-as-you-age/
https://www.healthline.com/health/improving-mobility-in-old-age
https://hcamidwest.com/blog/entry/aging-bone-joints
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/what-it-takes-to-be-agile-at-any-age/art-20390071
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/special-topic/aging-changes-in-the-bones-muscles-joints
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