Health and Nutrition
Eat These Fruits for Their Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Nature’s remedy for good health
Nature’s original desserts, naturally sweet fruits, are particularly abundant in anti-inflammatory compounds that protect our bodies from heart diseases, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer and bowel disease. Eating around two cups of diverse fruits daily can boost antioxidant activity and lower inflammation.
One strategy is to eat with the seasons, choosing grapes and stone fruits in the summer, apples and pears in the fall, persimmons and pomegranates in the winter, and citrus and cherries in the spring.
While all fruits tend to be rich in disease-protective nutrients, some have received particular attention in the nutrition world for their anti-inflammatory benefits. I briefly explain them.
Berries
From strawberries and blackberries to cranberries and blueberries, these gemlike fruits are particularly potent in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Along with fiber and vitamin C, berries possess plant pigment phytochemicals, such as anthocyanins and ellagic acid, which may be behind their health benefits. Studies have linked increased berry consumption with lower risks of heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes.
Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away
consumption of this fruit—along with its relative, pears—was linked with a lower risk of death from heart disease. The star components of apples—fiber, vitamin C, pectin, and polyphenols—have been associated, primarily in animal studies, with anti-inflammatory effects and increased beneficial microbes in the gut.
Stone fruit
Cherries, peaches, apricots, and plums are all examples of stone fruits, which contain fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and various phytochemicals associated with their colors. For example, cherries have garnered the lion’s share of the research among stone fruits, having been linked to reduced average blood sugar and improved cholesterol and blood pressure. Some studies suggest reduced pain and soreness after exercise and reduced risk of gout attacks with cherry intake. The high levels of phenolic compounds in cherries, which have been shown to reduce inflammation, may be behind those benefits.
Grapes
These succulent fruits are bursting with fiber, vitamins C and K, and powerful phytochemicals, especially the resveratrol in red grapes. It’s no wonder that moderate imbibing of red wine has been associated with heart health. It’s important to note, however, that even moderate consumption of alcohol (including wine) has been associated with higher cancer risk. The best advice: if you already enjoy wine, drink it in moderation (a maximum of one drink per day for women, two drinks for men), but don’t start drinking for supposed health benefits.
Citrus
Oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes are famously rich in vitamin C. They also contain fiber, potassium, calcium, B vitamins, copper, and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals such as flavonoids and carotenoids. Though there is little human research on citrus, the nutrients found in citrus fruits have been shown to have heart-protective effects, such as improved blood cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood vessel function.
Pomegranates
Those tiny pomegranate seeds contain big rewards of vitamins C and K, potassium, fiber, and potent phytochemicals such as anthocyanin and resveratrol. These nutrients may be behind the potential benefits of eating pomegranates; according to a 2020 review of the research on pomegranates, this fruit shows potential for helping keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels in check.
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