- Turmeric
Turmeric is instantly recognizable to curry-lovers because it is the spice that gives that signature dish its distinctive flavor and gold color. Besides tasting delicious, turmeric contains a compound called curcumin which is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
It both prevents free radical damage to your cells and reduces the swelling that occurs in damaged tissues. A great deal of pain is caused by inflammation, which is why OTC ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory more than a direct painkiller, is so often used for pain.
