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What is the diet suggested for patients suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes?

This question originally appeared on Quora. Answer by MJ Thomas, Health and Nutrition Expert.

Chronic inflammation is an increasingly common health condition that contributes to heart disease,diabetes, obesity arthritis and metabolic syndrome. Caused by a number of environmental factors including eating processed foods, saturated fats, sugar, and chemicals, inflammation is a dangerous condition that mimics many other serious health issues.

Fortunately, there are a number of natural foods that reduce inflammation levels in the body - these include fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, whole grains, and certain spices. Increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet is perhaps the most important step in preventing inflammation in the body.

3 Top Anti-Inflammatory Diet Foods:

1. Ginger

With over 500 natural compounds, ginger has a number of health benefits - including calming an upset stomach, preventing motion sickness, and reducing inflammation. While science has yet discovered exactly how fresh ginger reduces inflammation in the body, it has been shown to reduce inflammation that contributes to arthritis and various cancers.

2. Vitamin C

Found in grapefruit, oranges, lemons and many vegetables, vitamin C is most commonly known for its cold fighting abilities. However, vitamin c is also a powerful antioxidant that reduces the harmful effects of stress and teams with vitamin E to serve as a very effective anti inflammatory food.

Being water-soluble, vitamin C is not stored in the body; meaning it needs to be consumed throughout the day to maintain appropriate levels. Since the typical American diet is low in vitamin C, 1,000 to 4,000 mg (milligrams) a day through fresh fruit, vegetables, or supplement is recommended.

3. Omega-3 and Essential Fatty Acids

Omega-3 and essential fatty acids are good, healthy fats that assist in preventing heart disease, joint pain, mental health issues, and inflammation. People typically consume most of omega fats from vegetable oil, however this is omega 6, and omega 3. Omega 3s are found in wild-caught fish, quality fish and krill oil, avocado, and olive oil.

The ideal anti inflammatory ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 is 1:1, currently the average American diet contains a ration of 20:1. With significant research demonstrating omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and prevent significant health issues like diabetes and heart disease, it is recommended that 1,000 mg is consumed twice a day.

Inflammation contributes to many preventable health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. Make sure you eat a diet is rich in anti-inflammatory foods, including avocados, fish, oranges, lemons, and ginger - and prevent these dangerous health conditions.

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