GP names 'most anti-inflammatory food in the world' that's 'better than ibuprofen'
Reducing inflammation in the joints can ease arthritis symptoms and ibuprofen is a commonly used anti-inflammatory drug. But Dr Eric Berg has shared an alternative.
Around 1.5 million people in Scotland are affected by arthritis, which causes chronic joint inflammation, resulting in significant discomfort, pain, and stiffness. Mitigating joint inflammation can alleviate symptoms of arthritis. While anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help, dietary changes can also play a role.
According to one doctor, there's a specific food that stands out for its anti-inflammatory properties, surpassing even the effectiveness of ibuprofen. Dr Eric Berg, a widely followed social media doctor with 17 million YouTube subscribers and over a million TikTok followers, frequently shares health and diet advice. He specialises in intermittent fasting and healthy ketosis
In a recent TikTok video, Dr Berg discussed what he believes is the 'world's most anti-inflammatory food', reports the Daily Record. He stated: "The most anti-inflammatory food in the world is not turmeric, it's not ginger, and it's definitely not blueberries.
"Just one little teaspoon of this food can reduce joint inflammation better than ibuprofen. It has been used for thousands of years and it has outperformed turmeric and ginger in reducing joint inflammation by 60 per cent."
Indeed, both turmeric and ginger are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. But neither of these super anti-inflammatory foods were hailed the 'world's best' by prolific nutritionist and chiropractor Dr Berg. Black cumin seed oil, or black seed oil, is the food that the expert says hails for reducing joint inflammation.
Black seed oil is an oil extracted from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, also known as black cumin or kalonji. It is widely available for purchase from most health food shops. A bottle can be purchased for £16 at Holland & Barrett, while those who aren't a fan of taking liquid supplements can get these 1000 mg Black Seed Oil Cold Pressed Capsules for £13.99 on Amazon.
Dr Berg continued: "The unique compound in black seed oil is called thymoquinone, which has a direct anti-inflammatory effect comparable to over-the-counter pain medications."
Medical News Today explains that the thymoquinone found in black seed oil can boost health in a number of ways. Some of these benefits include the ingredient's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The compound is also thought to support wound healing, reduce blood pressure, and potentially combat cancer.
A study published in Science Direct in 2021 showed that thymoquinone indeed has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties in several disorders such as chronic inflammation, as well as asthma, hypertension, diabetes, bronchitis, headache, eczema, fever, dizziness and influenza.
If you can't get your hands on black seed oil, you still can reap the benefits of more commonly found turmeric and ginger.
Healthline explains that ginger contains bioactive compounds such as gingerol that can help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain associated with various conditions like muscle soreness, arthritis, and digestive issues.
The Mayo Clinic also explains that there are various studies looking at the benefits of turmeric for anti-inflammation. Several studies show turmeric to be just as effective as ibuprofen for reducing inflammation, swelling, and pain, but more research is needed to confirm these effects.
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