Knowing how powerful nutrients in healthy foods protect us from disease may encourage you to toss a few blueberries into your salad, or add a side of fresh fruit to lunch.
To understand how nutrients protect our bodies from damage, you have to start at the cellular level. In the normal cellular activity, bonds split leaving an even, stable number of electrons. When weak bonds split, free radicals are formed. Our bodies naturally form free radicals to suppress a virus or eliminate bacteria, but free radicals can also be triggered by pollution and contaminants, like cigarette smoke. The presence of too many free radicals causes inflammation and results in a condition called ‘oxidative stress’ that has been linked to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Antioxidants attach themselves to free radicals, keeping them from attaching to healthy cells and causing damage. Including foods that are high in antioxidants protects us from damage that leads to disease and helps our bodies heal. In addition to antioxidants, vitamins and minerals hold powerful health benefits that can be targeted to prevent disease and ease the symptoms of medical conditions that are linked to inflammation and cause pain.
Dark, leafy greens contain vitamin E, which has been shown to break up chains of free radicals and ease inflammation in the body. Spinach, collard greens, kale, and broccoli contain high levels of magnesium that has been shown to be deficient in patients that are susceptible to inflammation, like diabetes and heart disease. Brightly-colored berries contain an extract that has been shown to prevent arthritis and protect from ulcerative colitis. For individuals battling chronic pain, garlic works like ibuprofen and supports the immune system. By including nutrient-dense, colorful food into your diet, you can optimize your body’s function, protect yourself from disease, and increase your overall well being.
Article from: https://www.bewellmi.com/benefits-clinical-nutrition-reducing-inflammation-pain/
