Reducing inflammation is one of the best ways for seniors to reduce their risk of heart attacks, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. It is true that inflammation is a positive part of the healing process, but this type of inflammation is a short term, intense process, not a long term, low level process that upsets our immune system. It turns out that a number of vitamins and minerals can make strong contributions to reducing low level inflammation. These minerals and vitamins have been shown to reduce CRP levels that are a marker for cardiovascular disease.
The vitamins C, D, folic acid, and niacin are four that offer the most reduction of inflammation. Among the spices tumeric and ginger both provide strong anti-inflammatory compounds. Among the flavonoids, quercetin is one with the strongest anti-inflammatory activity. Other sources of flavonoids include red onions, apples, and both green and black tea, as well as the cruciferous vegetables, dark chocolate, red wine, all citrus fruits, and nuts like almonds and pecans. Finally berries of almost all types provide polyphenols that provide anti-inflammatory activity. It turns out that tart cherries score very high on anti-inflammatory activity.