Inflammation is an immune response that your body stages to fight against invaders and repair damaged tissues. However, when an immune response is unnecessary or persists for a very long time, it can lead to a myriad of ailments and even serious diseases. Many health experts say that inflammation is at the root of most diseases. A few conditions linked to or caused by inflammation (this list is far from exhaustive!) include acne, eczema, arthritis, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cardiovascular diseases, active hepatitis, and PCOS.
In addition, many age-related degenerative conditions are caused by inflammation. Thus, preventing unnecessary inflammation is essential for good health and longevity. Fortunately, you can keep unnecessary inflammation away by following a healthful plant-based diet full of herbs and spices.
Firstly, eliminate all processed foods (especially processed meats), rancid or high-heated vegetable oils, and synthetic additives. Strive to eliminate dairy and reduce or eliminate concentrated sweeteners and red meat. Minimize animal proteins and center the majority of your diet around dark green leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, sea vegetables, root vegetables, herbs, and fruits.
Beans, soaked or sprouted nuts and seeds, raw organic olive oil, flaxseed oil, and hemp oil are beneficial as well. Consume anti-inflammatory teas, such as Inflammation Relief. Using these guidelines as a foundation, you can eliminate unnecessary inflammation by using spices!
Spices are profoundly effective for reducing inflammation. An index called “Inflammation Factor”, or “IF”, has been created to indicate a food’s ability to fight or induce inflammation in the body. Strive for foods with the highest IF. Here are a few common spices and their average Inflammation Factors.
Garlic Powder: 18,790
Ginger Powder: 15,889
Cayenne Pepper: 14,596
Turmeric Powder: 12,745
Curry Powder: 2,293
Dried Basil: 427
Paprika: 401
Dried Parsley: 340
Dried Sage: 267
Dried Marjoram: 234
Mustard Powder: 134
These are just a few examples of strongly anti-inflammatory spices. Head over to Loose Leaf Tea Market to pick up your favorite anti-inflammatory spices, and try adding more spices to your cooking! Look for recipes that use a lot of spices, like Kita’s Roasted Cauliflower with Indian Spices. Your body will thank you!