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Top healthiest fruits with anti-inflammatory properties

Fruits possess anti-inflammatory properties as they contain numerous antioxidants and fiber. While they cannot replace medical treatments, they can significantly alleviate some conditions, writes Real Simple.

The ways fruits reduce inflammation

There are two different types of inflammation that may occur in your body.

"The first type, called acute inflammation, is the short-term pink or red or swelling around a wound that happens while the wound is healing,” says dietitian Janice Chow.

This type of inflammation is beneficial for your body, as it is a natural response of your system to an unwanted intrusion (injury, illness, infection, etc.).

Chronic inflammation is the second type of inflammation, and if left untreated, it can cause even more harm to your health. It is called "chronic" because it does not subside and lasts for a more extended period.

"Chronic inflammation could be triggered by various factors, like external and internal traumas. It might be diseases or conditions that a person might have, or a prolonged environmental impact [that they’ve experienced]," adds Chow.

Examples of environmental triggers include psychological stress, air pollution, and poor nutrition. Chronic inflammation resulting from these triggers can create an environment conducive to the onset of diseases.

According to Chow, many types of fruits have strong anti-inflammatory properties because they contain nutrients and compounds that help reduce this chronic inflammation, paying special attention to two main groups of compounds found in food: antioxidants and fiber.

"The role of antioxidants is to neutralize some of the unstable molecules in our body that might happen during inflammation," explains Chow.

Unstable molecules, called free radicals, are produced when your body is constantly exposed to environmental factors such as air toxins, alcohol consumption, stress, poor nutrition, and more.

"An excessive amount of these unstable molecules may cause longer-term damage to our cells, and there are theories that this kind of cellular damage may lead to chronic diseases," adds the expert.

Increased consumption of antioxidants from food (mostly plant-based) can help neutralize these unstable molecules.

Research also points to fiber as another of the most beneficial compounds for reducing chronic inflammation. One way in which fiber can achieve this is by maintaining the pH level of the intestines, which reduces the number of inflammatory molecules.

Top anti-Inflammatory fruits

Apples

They can almost always be found in the nearest grocery store, so it's worth not forgetting about them when making a shopping list. Apples are excellent sources of antioxidants, namely vitamin C, quercetin, and flavonoids, and some varieties are rich in fiber, especially in the skin.

Berries

Research indicates that consuming berries is associated with a lower risk of diseases. According to Chow, berries are rich in fiber and antioxidants, such as vitamin C.

For example, half a cup of strawberries provides you with 50% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Berries also contain a lot of quercetin, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. 

Anthocyanins are plant pigments that give cranberries, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries their beautiful red, purple, and blue colors.

Stone fruits

According to Chow, peaches, plums, and cherries are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, anthocyanins, and phenolic acid. They also provide you with a good amount of fiber.

Red and black grapes

"Red and black grapes are well known for an antioxidant called resveratrol, which is found in their skin. The skin also contains a lot of fiber, so I would highly suggest consuming grapes with their skin on," recommends the expert.

This darker grape variety is also rich in other antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin B2, anthocyanins, quercetin, and flavonoids.

Citrus fruits

All citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes, are rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids and vitamin C. Half a cup of grapefruit provides 40% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. They also contain a lot of fiber. 

"One word of caution with grapefruit is that some medications could potentially react with it, so I would consult with your doctor before eating it," says the dietitian.

Pomegranate seeds

When you eat the juicy, crunchy ruby-red seeds of a pomegranate, you benefit from both fiber and antioxidants like vitamin C, anthocyanins, tannins, and phenolic acid. These nutrients are extremely beneficial and are a tasty addition to both sweet and savory dishes.

Pineapple

Pineapple contains a compound called bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Pineapple is also a good source of fiber and antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin A.

Watermelon

Watermelon is known for its vibrant red color, which is attributed to another powerful antioxidant called lycopene. It is also an excellent source of vitamin C.

Previously, we wrote about the best products with healing properties which are recommended for those who want to become healthier.

We also discussed the importance of potassium for the human body and where to find it. 

Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms: How to spot the signs in your feet

Vitamin B12 is vital to maintain healthy energy levels and is one of the most important vitamins in maintaining the nervous system. Consistently low levels of B12 can cause "damage" to parts of the nervous system, warns the NHS, even leading to irreversible damage. 

The nervous system has two main parts: the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which is made up of nerves that branch off from the spinal cord and extend to all parts of the body.

A B12 deficiency can lead to peripheral neuropathy, which develops when nerves in the body's extremities such as the hands, feet and arms are damaged, reports MyLondon.

According to the NHS, the main symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in your feet include:

"These symptoms are usually constant, but may come and go," explains the health body. It's important to see your GP if you're experiencing any of the above symptoms.

What causes B12 deficiency?

Pernicious anaemia is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK. Pernicious anaemia is an autoimmune condition whereby your immune system attacks the cells in your stomach that produce the intrinsic factor, which means your body is unable to absorb vitamin B12.

However, some people can develop a vitamin B12 deficiency as a result of not getting enough vitamin B12 from their diet. The richest sources of B12 are animal-based so vegetarians and vegans are at a greater risk of B12 deficiency.

B12 is naturally found in:

Plant-based sources of vitamin B12 include yeast extract (such as Marmite) fortified plant milks and fortified breakfast cereals.

How to treat at B12 Deficiency

"If you’re following a plant-based diet, taking a vitamin B12 supplement can help prevent a deficiency," says Holland and Barrett. "Breast-feeding mothers could also consider a supplement, as they need an extra 0.5mcg a day."

As it explains, older people, or those taking medication to reduce production of stomach acid, may need a B12 supplement to boost absorption. Most cases of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency can be easily treated with injections or tablets to replace the missing vitamins, the NHS says.

Vitamin B12 supplements are usually given by injection at first. Then, depending on whether your B12 deficiency is related to your diet, you'll either require B12 tablets between meals or regular injections.

Dehydration may be as bad 'as smoking' for veins - how much water you need to avoid stroke

Strokes are rarely preceded by obvious warning signs, making the chances of survival relatively slim. Taking precautionary steps against stroke is therefore paramount for preventing complications. Fortunately, researchers have identified several preventable risk factors for the condition. Their findings indicate that a great number of patients show up to the hospital dehydrated.

According to Harvard Health, the warning signs of dehydration include weakness, low blood pressure, dizziness, confusion or urine that's dark in colour.

The minimum amount of water a person needs to avoid these signs is around four to six cups of water each day, according to the health body.

Research conducted by Loma Linda University, however, has previously established that drinking at least five glasses of water is necessary for reducing the risk of stroke by 53 percent.

Not only may this protect against the condition, but it may also improve a person's outcome in the event of a stroke.

In 2015, research on patients admitted to the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital provided interesting findings about the cardiovascular risks of dehydration.

The research showed that dehydrated patients were nearly four times more likely to suffer worse outcomes, compared to adequately hydrated patients.

It was noted that "dehydration appears to be common in hospitalised stroke patients and is associated with severe stroke and poor outcomes at hospital discharge".

The report added: "We suggest that focusing on interventions to reduce the frequency and duration of dehydration have the potential to improve patient outcomes after stroke."

In 2016, research by the University of Arkansas made another poignant discovery about the effects of dehydration on cardiovascular health.

The findings suggested that hydration levels - even mild dehydration in healthy, young males - may play a role in a person's cardiovascular risk.

The effects of hydrations levels were most apparent in the endothelial functions of the blood vessels.

Endothelial function describes the dilation and constriction of the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels. 

Winter Squash: A Superfood Or Not? Nutrition Professionals Weigh In, With Serving Tips And Health Risks

Perspective from Iyanuoluwa Oyetunji

Master of Science in Medicine, specialization in Human Nutrition · 2 years of experience · South Africa

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