Inflammation is part of the biological response of body tissues. Hence, it is normal part of immune response to health threats, protecting the body from foreign substances, infections, and diseases. However, chronic inflammation is something you should be concerned about, as it can lead to a wide range of health problems. The term chronic inflammation refers to long-term inflammation, which may last for up to a few months of years.
Inflammation and Chronic Disease
It has been scientifically shown that unchecked inflammation in the body is linked to the earliest stages of disease development and that it is actually the root cause of many chronic diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, and arthritis.
Addressing inflammation on time through introducing certain lifestyle changes is the key to reducing the number of people suffering from a chronic disease. According to T. Edwards, “we have enough information presently to make the necessary changes in our lifestyle to significantly affect the inflammatory process and potentially live longer, healthier lives, with fewer burdens to an overburdened and failing medical system”.
How to Combat Inflammation
Diet is the biggest factor we have control over in regard to inflammation. Just as there are many inflammation-causing foods, there are those which have the opposite effect, such as turmeric.
Turmeric Benefits
Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine have long used turmeric for its potent anti-inflammatory properties and it is widely accepted in western culture for the same reason. A 2011 study has shown that turmeric reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines and it increases the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines in the organism. In the same study, researchers compared its effects to ginger, and found that it is far superior to it.
In addition to this, turmeric promotes digestive health and it can help to treat ulcers, inflammatory botomato,wel
wel disease and Crohn`s disease. Given the fact that it has antioxidant properties, turmeric helps prevent cancer as well. A study done on turmeric root and its relation to cancer has shown that it reduces colon cancer, leukemia, melanoma cancer, and breast cancer.
Black Pepper Benefits
Combining turmeric with black pepper increases its bioavailability by 2000 percent and maximizes its effects. Even alone, black pepper can promote healthy digestion and fight oxidation in the body.
Tomato Benefits
Tomatoes contain lycopene and antioxidants, which reduce the risk of cancer, lower cholesterol in the body, keep blood pressure in check, and protect the heart. In is important to mention that the bioavailability of lycopene is significantly increased when we eat tomatoes cooked.
Turmeric Tomato Soup Recipe
This amazing recipe encompasses all of the three chronic-disease fighting foods. It is delicious and simple to prepare. Check it out!
Ingredients:
- 1 minced onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 2 tsp turmeric powder
- ¾ cup cherry tomatoes, rinsed and cut in halves
- 1 can diced tomatoes (don’t drain the sauce)
- ½ cup low-sodium vegetable stock
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Fry onion and garlic cloves in coconut oil over medium heat
- Add the turmeric and cherry tomatoes and cook until tomatoes are tender
- Add the canned tomatoes, vegetable stock, apple cider vinegar, and basil. Bring the mixture to boil and then simmer for additional five minutes
- Blend the ingredients with either hand mixer or blender to create a creamy mixture
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste
Sources:
http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/turmeric-tomato-soup-recipe.html?t=LT
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php