If you have wondered about the concept of "superfoods", let me make it really easy by just saying that the nutritional content of different foods vary greatly, and that some foods are better for us than others.
As opposed to nutritional supplements, superfoods aren't pills you take, they are actual food products that naturally have specific health beneficial effects. Yesterday's post about ginger shots is one example of how to use a superfood, cacao beans and blueberries are superfood because of very high antioxidant properties, salmon and flax seeds are called superfoods because of high content of naturally anti-inflammatory omega 3 acids.
Other superfoods that may be especially beneficial if you suffer from chronic pain are:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Contains oleocanthal which has the same chemical and biological properties as ibuprofen with none of the vicious side effects.
Tart Cherries - Contain anthocyanin which works the same way as aspirin and ibuprofen in reducing inflammation and pain. Many other berries with strong colors, like cranberries, blueberries and black currants also contain anthocyanin.
Brazil nuts - contain selenium which helps reduce inflammation
Apart from Magnesium, Vitamin D, Chili and Omega 3 which I've already blogged about, Potassium is important for a healthy nervous system and therefore important for chronic pain patients. Foods that contain a lot of potassium include apricots, avocados, bananas, lima beans, garlic, squash, sweet potatoes.
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