Top 10 Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Including anti-inflammatory foods to our daily diet can improve things like muscle and joint pain, digestion and cardiovascular health. Here's a quick list of the most power packed foods out there! Try to include these very important foods when cooking for yourself and family every day.

1. Turmeric (fresh and ground) - Curcumin, the active compound in Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory especially when combined with black pepper.

2. Ginger - This root is one of the oldest and most used natural remedies for inflammation of all kinds; arthritis, muscle recovery, digestion, nausea, flu and the common cold. The active compound in ginger is gingerol; a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

3. Mushrooms - A great source of antioxidants, anti-viral properties, vitamin D and selenium; an essential mineral that helps prevent inflammation.

4. Wild caught salmon - high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids proven to improve cardiovascular health, brain health and helps fight inflammation.

5. Blueberries - This tiny and powerful antioxidant helps fight inflammation in the brain and body as well. They contain flavonoids, chemical messengers and cell cycle inhibitors that promote cell health by protecting it from disease. Just a 1/2 cup of blueberries per day provides us with important free radical protection.

6. Avocado - We always hear that avocados are a mono-saturated heart healthy fat but did you know it was also a powerful antioxidant? These are packed with glutathione - capable of preventing damage to our cells caused by free radicals (a cause of cancer).

7. Walnuts - Low in carbohydrates, rich in antioxidants and high in fiber, these nuts are chock full of ALA - alpha linoleic acid, which helps maintain a healthy blood pressure and cholesterol and contains omega 3 fatty acid.

8. Broccoli- Part of the many cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, brussel sprouts and cabbage that contain disease fighting phytochemicals like sulforaphane that reduces inflammation.

9. Bone Broth - Contains collagen that can improve gut inflammation and boosts the immune system.

10. Capsaicin - Found in chili peppers, this compound has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can be used topically as well.