April 9th (Tuesday) Top 5 Fruits That Reduce Inflammation

Fruits that come from nature are not only delicious but also contain a variety of nutrients and antioxidants that help maintain health. Based on information published by Harvard Health Publishing, affiliated with Harvard Medical School, I will introduce fruits with excellent anti-inflammatory effects.

Strawberries are fruits rich in vitamin C and contain phytochemicals such as anthocyanins and ellagic acid. Ellagic acid has the effect of preventing collagen destruction and inflammatory responses caused by ultraviolet rays, thereby improving skin wrinkles. Additionally, studies have shown that anthocyanins in strawberries reduce inflammation and lower the risk of developing heart disease, Alzheimer's, and diabetes.

A study involving 35,000 women found that consuming apples and pears together reduces the risk of death from heart disease. In particular, the pectin component in apples increases the number of beneficial gut bacteria, improving gut health. Pectin is abundant in apple skins, so it is recommended to wash the apples and eat them with the skin on.

According to a study published in the 2013 Nutrition Journal, cherries help reduce inflammation levels and are effective in preventing chronic inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Additionally, cherries are rich in anthocyanins, which help reduce muscle and joint pain after exercise. It is reported that runners who drank tart cherry juice for a week before a competition experienced less pain after the event.

Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are rich in vitamin C and B, potassium, and calcium. Additionally, these citrus fruits contain phytochemicals such as flavonoids and carotenoids. Flavonoids improve brain blood flow and reduce inflammation, while carotenoids prevent skin cell aging and promote epithelial cell regeneration.

Pomegranate, known as the "fruit of beauty," is rich in mineral nutrients such as vitamins B and C, calcium, zinc, and folate. In particular, it contains plant-based estrogens, which are good for skin beautification and anti-aging. Additionally, pomegranates contain powerful antioxidants like anthocyanins and resveratrol, which help eliminate active oxygen species in the body and reduce inflammation.