Think, Eat, Be Healthy

Main Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Whole Foods

Some whole foods are superstars, head and shoulders above the field because of their anti-oxidant and/or anti-inflammatory properties. I do my best to eat at least a little of each of these foods daily.

*Ginger, either fresh root or dried powder, is a potent food. It is a strong anti-inflammatory, acting as a COX inhibitor and also inhibiting the LOX enzyme(which prescription drugs do not affect). This makes ginger effective for arthritis, muscle strains, joint pain and other conditions caused by inflammation. Ginger also relaxes the intestinal muscles, easing troubled digestion and gas. Ginger also has anti-viral properties. I like to use grated ginger in sauces and marinades for fish or meats and in salad dressings and dipping sauces. I also like to end the evening with a cup of herbal tea brewed with a few slices of fresh ginger root.

*Turmeric, again as either fresh root or dried powder, has many of the same medicinal properties as ginger and may be even more potent. The fresh grated root makes much better curry sauces than the powder. It is a good alternative ingredient for making yellow rice or yellow mashed potatoes or cauliflower.

cinnamon has strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Cinnamon stick is the inner bark of a tree.

*Cinnamon also has very strong anti-inflammatory properties and is calming for the digestion. I will often add a piece of cinnamon stick to herbal or green tea or to a pot of simmering BBQ sauce or red chile sauce. Ground cinnamon is easily sprinkled over oatmeal, fresh cut fruit salad, ice cream or other foods.

*Cloves act as an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antiseptic and local anesthetic(when applied topically). Two or three cloves can be added to any cup of tea or coffee, added to simmering sauces and studded into meat or fish before roasting. Ground clove is sprinkled on food the same as ground cinnamon.

These spices are concentrated sources of easily absorbed nutrients. When using the ground powders, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per day should give full benefits. I prefer to use larger amounts of fresh ginger and turmeric root.