Beat Inflammation with These Amazing Superfoods. Cellular inflammation has been shown to be the underlying marker in nearly every major health problem. Every single day our body is attacked by free radicals, cells are damaged, and inflammatory mediators are produced and triggered throughout our body. Fortunately, God gave us an incredible ability to heal and regulate abnormal cells through our brain, spinal cord, nerve and immune systems. He also provided us with a way of life to reduce and negate the negative effects of lifestyle stress.
From a nutritional perspective, one of the simplest things to do is add some of our Creator’s most nutritious foods into our diet. Foods that have an incredible array of health benefits that go well beyond just their nutrient value are considered “super-foods.” We talk a lot about these, and each of them deserves their own article, but here’s a short list just for kicks. These are some of nature’s most powerful secrets to health and healing:
Apple Cider Vinegar:
This super tonic contains acetic acid, which is known to help the body absorb iron more effectively. Iron is primarily used as the mineral backbone within hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying molecule within red blood cells. Myoglobin, the oxygen extracting molecule within muscle, also consists of an iron backbone. Higher levels of bioavailable iron allow the body to better utilize oxygen. Boosting oxygen levels increases both energy production and the detoxification processes.
The Acetic acid and active enzymes within the apple cider vinegar also help the body metabolize protein and absorb the amino acids more effectively. This is a critical step for building healthy hormones, enzymes, and repairing tissue. Through these mechanisms, apple cider vinegar helps to recover from injury, excessive exercise and states of chronic pain. Additionally, better enzymatic function will increase energy, digestion, metabolism and sense of well-being.
It has topical applications as well, and has been shown to be good for skin and hair. Just put a few drops in your bath and enjoy.
Turmeric:
This powerhouse is the 4st highest anti-oxidant rich herb, containing an incredible ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbancy Capacity) score of 159,277. The major ingredient, curcumin, is what gives turmeric its characteristic orange color. The curcuminoids within turmeric are said to be 5-8 times stronger at scavenging free radicals than Vitamin C & E. The molecules are strong enough to take on the hydroxyl free radical which is considered to be the most reactive of all free radicals.
These curcuminoids help to cleanse and nourish your skin and balance the skin’s natural microflora that protects you from infections. Tumeric is a natural anti-inflammatory, acting to down-regulate the inflammatory mediating COX-2 & MMP9 receptors. Additionally, it reverses many common cancer cell transcription factors such as NF-Kappa Beta . The curcuminoids have been labeled by many as some of the most powerful cancer fighting substances on the planet.
Oregano:
Oregano is extraordinarily high in anti-oxidant activity, ranking in as the 3rd highest herb with an ORAC score of 200,129. The primary anti-oxidant components are phenolic acids and flavonoids. Oregano oil has incredible anti- bacterial functions due to its high content of thymol, a powerful phenol. Additionally, oregano has been found to be the most effective substance against MRSA staph infections, beating out the 18 currently used antibiotics in a recent study. Oregano oil has been classically used as a disinfectant, an aid for ear, nose, & throat/ respiratory infections, candida, and any sort of bacterial or viral conditions. Additionally, it works to suppress inflammatory mediators and cancer cell production. Oregano oil is more potent than the dried herb, however, the dried version still contains many powerful health benefits.
Dr. Ernst’s Suggested Action Steps:
Keep a continual supply of Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar, Tumeric, & Oregano in your kitchen.
Take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in 8 oz of water every morning to enhance your metabolic fire and energy levels.
Use them on everything from salads, meats, rice/quinoa dishes, diced cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, etc. All you’ve got to do is sprinkle a little bit here, douse a little bit there. Add it in moderation to one thing. Load it into another. It’s all about experimentation, what you like the taste of and the lengths you’re willing to go. The rule of thumb is: you really can’t get too much of any of this stuff.