Since nobody appreciates becoming inflated like a pufferfish.
Inflammation represents your body’s defense mechanism against external invaders such as viruses and bacteria. It can also occur when you’re wounded, as blood rushes to the injured area to initiate repairs. In principle, this is beneficial; all your cells are congregating at an injured spot to combat intruders while fixing damage. However, excessive inflammation within your body can result in permanent harm or chronic conditions. If your body overreacts to every minor issue, you’ll likely experience prolonged periods of discomfort due to swelling. To aid in maintaining inflammation at manageable levels, specific types of nourishments and spices can be consumed to regulate things.
Plants and herbs like ginger, turmeric, and rosemary are recognized for their potent anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric, in particular, stands out as it contains a unique chemical compound known as curcumin, which is abundant in anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants. When combined with black pepper in a dish containing turmeric, your body’s absorption of these compounds improves.
On the topic of spices, capsaicin stands out as an especially potent anti-inflammatory agent, even though you might hesitate to consume it. Capsaicin is responsible for the spicy flavor of chili peppers; hence, if you’re not fond of spicy foods, capsaicin may not be particularly appealing to you. However, for those who can tolerate the heat, capsaicin enhances blood circulation significantly, which, alongside managing inflammation, is excellent for boosting metabolism.
If spice isn’t your cup of tea, consider trying something more subtle, like green tea. The antioxidants in green tea effectively combat viral pathogens in your body, providing extra support to your immune system and assisting in keeping inflammation in check. Additionally, it promotes positive mood and brain health. I personally enjoy it iced.