'World's most anti-inflammatory food' is 'better than ibuprofen' says expert

According to UK charity Arthritis Action, there are thought to be 10 million people in the UK with some form of arthritis, the condition characterised by chronic inflammation in the joints that leads to significant pain and stiffness.

One method of easing these symptoms is by tackling joint inflammation, which can be controlled using anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or through certain dietary choices. Now, a chiropractor and nutritionist with a huge social media following has come forward to reveal what he believes is the 'world's most anti-inflammatory food' and it's an option that he claims is superior to ibuprofen in its effects.

Eric Berg has 17 million YouTube subscribers and over one million TikTok followers and regularly dispenses health and diet advice. He has a particular focus on intermittent fasting and the healthy ketosis diet, reports the Daily Record.

In his latest TikTok upload, the expert presents his insight on what he describes as the 'world's most anti-inflammatory food,' explaining: "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."

While turmeric and ginger are well-known for their anti-inflammatory benefits, according to Berg the accolade of 'world's best' for combating joint inflammation goes to black cumin seed oil, or black seed oil.

Extracted from the seeds of Nigella sativa, also known as black cumin or kalonji, black seed oil is a favourite in health food shops. A bottle at Holland and Barrett is currently £16, while Amazon offers 1000 mg Black Seed Oil Cold Pressed Capsules for £13.99.

Berg explains: "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 further details the merits of thymoquinone found in black seed oil, highlighting its wide-ranging health advantages, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects.

A 2021 study published in Science Direct confirms that thymoquinone possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-apoptotic properties, proving beneficial in various conditions including chronic inflammation, asthma, hypertension, diabetes, bronchitis, headaches, eczema, fever, dizziness, and influenza.

If black seed oil is not readily available, you can still enjoy the benefits of more commonly found spices like turmeric and ginger.

Healthline highlights that ginger is packed with bioactive compounds such as gingerol, which can help alleviate inflammation, swelling, and pain associated with a range of conditions including muscle soreness, arthritis, and digestive issues.

Meanwhile, The Mayo Clinic also points out that numerous studies are exploring the anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric. Some research suggests that turmeric could be as effective as ibuprofen in reducing inflammation, swelling, and pain.

However, further investigation is required to substantiate these claims.