The Skinny:
Food and drink can bring a lot of happiness—physically and emotionally. But can it eliminate pain? So, at least when it comes to certain types of inflammation and soreness. Several foods contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce discomfort from working out too much or other issues that lead to soreness. Are these foods and drinks the first thing people think about when they’re sore? Probably not. They should think again. To help everyone start, WellWell has identified seven products that might ease inflammation in muscles and elsewhere. Read on.
The Slate:
Green Tea
Green tea is probably one of the healthiest beverages around. It may have the power to fight heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and obesity, among other conditions. It gets much of its healing power from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, including epigallocatechin-3-gallate. It inhibits inflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production and reduces damage to the fatty acids in your cells.
Broccoli
President Bush may not be a fan of broccoli, but it is a powerful detoxifying food. Among other reasons, the sulforaphane and glutathione contained in Broccoli help protect the brain from inflammation.
Black Beans
Black beans have plenty of protein, carbohydrates and fiber. Black beans have antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and repair muscle damage.
Watermelon
Sweet, hydrating and loaded with nutrients, watermelons are a summer go-to. Many don’t realize that they are rich in the amino acid L-citrulline, which makes them great for promoting muscle recovery after exercise and reducing inflammation. The amino acid in watermelons has antioxidant effects while also increasing nitric oxide. It could be why these melons help reduce muscle soreness and muscle damage after a workout.
Pineapple
Rich in bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme, pineapple helps cut post-workout inflammation by reducing swelling and joint pain. A couple of servings per week is all that’s needed.
Blueberries
Lots of fruits contain muscle-repairing antioxidants, but blueberries have the highest amount. They are a great source of carbohydrates and sirtuins, which modulate various cellular and organismal functions like cellular death, inflammatory pathways in the body, metabolism and longevity.
Turmeric
While not clinically proven, some research has found that turmeric’s active ingredient can reduce the pain associated with muscle soreness while speeding muscle recovery.
Eyes Up:
Do you have a go-to food to fight inflammation? Tell us why at info@wellwellusa.com.
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