We experience inflammation nearly every day — a stomach ache, catching the flu, or even getting a paper cut — and your body is well equipped to deal with acute inflammation. It’s a standard process. When you catch an infection or get injured, your body will send immune cells to the site and help reduce the damage. You’ll experience swelling, bruising, and even heat. This shows that the body is starting to heal damaged tissue and inflammation will soon go away.

However, there’s something called chronic inflammation that stirs the pot. That is when your body stays in fight mode and keeps sending anti-inflammatory cells even when there’s no external danger. That’s typically when you experience anxiety, migraines, insomnia, acid reflux, and even weight irregularities. If not kept in check, it can even lead to more serious health conditions.

10 Great Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Include in Your Diet

1 Apple

Apple is a great source of a highly potent antioxidant — quercetin — that is used across the body. It helps protect the tissues from damage (especially caused by drug toxicity), reduces swelling from any injury, and helps prevent excess stress on the heart.

2 Strawberries

Not only are strawberries great with chocolate, they’re also paired with anthocyanins i.e. antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help with long-term conditions like heart disease and arthritis.

3 Papaya

Fun fact: Papaya shares nomenclature with their principal compound Papain. A highly potent enzyme, Papain is a protease that helps with the synthesis of protein. This helps the body recover from wear and tear, promotes healing against everything from dental cavities to bodily wounds, and even fight off infections.

4 Oranges

Oranges are among the best sources of vitamin C, a nutritional powerhouse that boosts immune function, improves skin and bone health, and helps blood vessels. Fun fact: one orange is almost all you need to meet your daily requirements!

5 Cabbage

Like strawberries, cabbage is a great source of anthocyanins. These compounds help ease signs of inflammation in the body and improve heart function, reducing blood pressure and the chances of a stroke.

6 Cauliflower

There’s an interesting thing that happens when you chew cauliflower: a rare but highly nutritious compound is produced. Sulforaphane is a very powerful anti-inflammatory compound.

7 Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, which have strong anti-inflammatory effects. They also contain antioxidants like quercetin and luteolin, which help reduce inflammation and protect cells from oxidative damage. 

8 Ginger

Gingerol, an active biochemical compound, has been renowned for its anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties. It is known to help with conditions stemming from joint pain, nausea, and sore muscles. It’s a great compound to include if you’re physically active.

9 Turmeric

Turmeric is perhaps the best natural source of Curcumin, a highly potent anti-inflammatory compound that is widely used in modern supplements. Medically known as diferuloylmethane, Curcumin has been proven to help ease symptoms of long-term conditions like arthritis and bowel dysfunction

10 Carrots

With beta-carotene antioxidants and vitamin A, carrots can help boost immunity and ease inflammation. It may be especially beneficial for those with asthma as it can help improve blood flow and boost respiratory function.