8 Caribbean food ingredients that are best remedies for inflammation

The body natural response to injury and infection is inflammation. Fortunately, research has shown that some Caribbean ethnic doods, as well as general lifestyle behaviours, can help to reduce inflammation.

Here is a list of a few anti-inflammatory foods that are popular in the Caribbean and its diasporas.

 

• Cocoa and Dark Chocolate

Flavanols, which are antioxidants present in cocoa products, offer anti-inflammatory qualities that may help protect blood vessel health, lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke. They may also help with recovery and exercise performance.

Furthermore, through increasing nitric oxide synthesis, flavanol-rich cocoa, and dark chocolate protect blood vessels from oxidative stress, which occurs with age and in smokers. 

Dark chocolate can be snacked as a bar or in the form of hot cocoa. 

 

• West Indian Cherry (acerola)

The West Indian cherry (Malpighia emarginata), often known as acerola, is prized for its high levels of Vitamin C. Other anti-inflammatory components found in West Indian cherry include carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which may have anti-aging benefits.

The fruit is harvested between spring and autumn and can be eaten raw or juiced.

 

• Red Sorrel 

Traditional medicine uses red sorrel, commonly known as roselle.

Red sorrel has been shown to decrease blood pressure and cholesterol in both animal and human trials. It may also help to lower body weight, insulin resistance, and inflammation indicators.

As a hot or cold beverage, roselle tea is very popular. Fresh and dried leaves of the plant are used to prepare the traditional Christmastime drink sorrel juice throughout the Caribbean.

 

• Pimento Pepper

The phytochemicals in the pimento pepper, a member of the Capsicum pepper family, may have anti-inflammatory qualities. More human research, on the other hand, is required.

The pimento pepper is related to the habanero pepper although it is milder. It’s typically used to flavor a wide range of prepared meals, including stews and soups.

 

• Passion Fruit 

Anti-inflammatory chemicals in passion fruit may help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It may have antihypertensive properties as well. There is a need for more human research.

Passion fruit is sour, although it can be eaten raw or made into juice or lilikoi jelly, a traditional Hawaiian breakfast dish.

 

• Turmeric

Turmeric may offer brain-protective properties as well as anti-diabetes, heart disease, intestinal disease, arthritis, obesity-related inflammation, and cancer. Turmeric is an active ingredient that provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Turmeric is widely used in Caribbean cuisines that use Indian spices, such as curry and geera (ground cumin).

 

• Cinnamon 

Cinnamon is a popular spice that has been shown to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, but additional human study on its anti-inflammatory benefits is needed.

 

• Ginger

In the Caribbean, ginger is commonly used in cooked foods and hot beverages.

Ginger may protect against rheumatoid arthritis, aging, and neurological disorders by acting as an anti-inflammatory. It’s being researched as a possible asthma therapy.

 

Conclusion:

Chronic inflammation raises your risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are found in cultural foods such as red sorrel, turmeric, and passion fruit, which may benefit your health.

Additionally, one needs to get enough sleep, exercise, and manage their emotional health to help support an anti-inflammatory diet.