Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Healthy Habits: Foods that Fight Pain

There are a variety of foods that can be a natural solution to pain. These foods aren't going to instantly take away that headache, but they contain nutrients that fight inflammation and other causes of pain, so look for ways to add them to your diet.

Red pepper - vitamin C helps keep collagen (connective tissue) healthy. Add to salads, sauté into stir fry, or just eat plain! They make a great lightly sweet and crunchy snack.
Sweet potato - beta-carotene is a strong antioxidant. Roast like a baked potato, slice thinly and bake into chips, or puree and add to baked goods.
Ginger - works as an anti-inflammatory. Use it to spice up sweet or savory goods.
Salmon - omega 3 is good for joints. Use canned salmon like tuna, or bake or pan-fry.
Papaya - contains vitamin C and also has papain to help improve digestion and healing. Eat plain or dice into fruit salad or fruit salsa.
Blueberries - phytonutrietns and antioxidants. Eat plain, lightly dust with sugar, or fold into baked goods.
Avocado oil and extra-virgin olive oil - good sources of healthy fats and antioxidants. Use to replace vegetable oil.

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