Inflammation is the process by which the body’s immune system fights infection and helps heal an injury. But, if the body sends out signals when you are not unwell, it can lead to high levels of inflammation and, in turn, increase your risk of developing heart disease, obesity, inflammatory bowel diseases, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s, among others.
But, what if we tell you that your kitchen is a storehouse of many spices and herbs with anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation and help prevent chronic health conditions?
Antioxidant-rich herbs:
Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha contains compounds, including withaferin A (WA), that may help reduce inflammation in the body. Decreasing inflammation markers improves the immune cells, i.e., WBCs (white blood cells) that combat infection.
Ginger: Ginger contains more than 100 active compounds, such as gingerol, shogaol, zingiberene, and zingerone, to name a few. These are likely responsible for its health-enhancing properties, including helping reduce inflammation in the body.
Tulsi: Tulsi has antimicrobial, anti-allergic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it prevents the inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane during cold.
Black pepper: Black pepper and its main active compound, piperine, play a role in reducing inflammation in the body.
Turmeric: Curcumin, the main antioxidant in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. According to studies, curcumin can block the activation of NF-κB, a molecule that activates genes that promote inflammation.
