Issue link: http://www.finelinesmagazine.com/i/1320352
finelinesmagazine.com 9 because of their triterpenes, they may work well to regulate diseases that involve the immune system. Cucumber counteracts acidic pH within the body. Because of their B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and zinc content, cucumbers are heart healthy and promote mood stability. 5. Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): EFAs inhibit factors that are linked to pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Moreover, omega-3 EFAs have been shown to inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators that encourage puffiness. Omega-3 EFAs reduce inflammation caused by prostaglandins and exposure to ultraviolet radiation. 6. Eggs: One or two eggs per week offer the body high levels of protein, folic acid, vitamin A, lecithin, and vitamin B12. Lecithin repairs tissues as it fills in and rebuilds cell walls, which helps all organs remain fully hydrated and able to function at their highest levels. Egg yolks are mainly comprised of phosphatidylcholine—a major component of cellular membranes. 7. Antioxidants: Antioxidants are well-known for their skin and health benefits as protectants against the effects of aging and inflammation. 8. Salt Reduction: Salt causes and magnifies inflammation. Every cell needs sodium to work properly, and it is essential for nerves and muscles, including the heart, to function properly, but most of us consume too much. Extra salt requires extra water, which results in water retention— a form of inflammation. 9. Fruit: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, cherries, and pomegranates contain high levels of polyphenols and offer positive and preventive effects on cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, and inflammation. Most berries are moderately acidic but contain strong anti-inflammatory properties that come from flavonoids. 10. Broccoli: Broccoli is full of isothiocyanates—sulfur- containing phytochemicals—and is highly alkaline. Known for their anti-carcinogenic properties, isothiocyanates (which contain sulforaphane) fight inflammation, stop cancer from spreading, and induce cancer cell death as they work inside the cell to boost enzymatic activity that prevents oxidation. Sulfur is found in every living cell and it plays a key role in collagen synthesis. FOLLOW THE SCIENCE Science has offered many new discoveries to tackle inflammation and skin puffiness. The body truly is a wonderful machine, and looking at every part of it at the cellular level will no doubt offer us more clues on how fantastically it functions. ▪