5 Healing Foods for your Health & Wellness

Did you know bioflavinoids have been found to dramatically reduce inflammation?

Apples: Apples, contain flavanoid, quercetin that can reduce allergic reactions and decrease inflammation. It acts like an antihistamine and an anti-inflammatory, and may help protect against heart disease and cancer. Foods with quercetin are apples (with the skin on), berries, red grapes, red onions, capers and black tea.

Carrots: Carotenoids are a family of plant pigments that include beta-carotene. A lack of carotenoids in the diet is thought to promote inflammation. Good sources of carotenoids include apricots, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, kale, winter squash, collard greens, broccoli, romaine lettuce, cilantro, cantaloupe and fresh thyme.

Fiber: A healthy and active colon can decrease food sensitivity, which, in turn, can lighten the burden on your immune system. High fiber foods include: Black beans, bran cereal, almonds, apples with skin, kidney beans, lentils, rolled oats and avocados. Carotenoids are a family of plant pigments that include beta-carotene.

Ginger: Recent studies show that ginger reduces inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and suppresses the immune system's production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, reducing disease severity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Omega-3: Omega-3 essential fatty acids can counter the formation of chemicals that cause inflammation. Good natural sources include flaxseeds, salmon and walnuts.