There’s one food that outperforms all others in terms of its anti-inflammatory properties – and it’s not ginger or turmeric.
12:22, 15 Apr 2025Updated 12:22, 15 Apr 2025
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Around 1.5 million people in Scotland have arthritis(Image: Dazeley via Getty Images)
An estimated 1.5 million people in Scotland live with arthritis, and the chronic joint inflammation caused by this common condition can cause serious discomfort, pain and stiffness.
Reducing inflammation in the joints can ease arthritis symptoms. This can be achieved through anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, or even through our diets. And a doctor has shared one thing that, according to him, is the ‘world’s most anti-inflammatory food’, which he says is even ‘better than ibuprofen.’
Dr Eric Berg is an extremely popular social media doctor who boasts 17 million subscribers on YouTube and over one million followers on TikTok. He often shares health and diet advice on his page, specialising in intermittent fasting and healthy ketosis.
In a recent video on his TikTok page, he shared his knowledge on what he describes as the ‘world’s most anti-inflammatory food’. Dr Berg said: “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.”
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Indeed, both turmeric and ginger are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. But neither of these super anti-inflammatory foods were hailed the ‘world’s best’ by Dr Berg. Black cumin seed oil, or black seed oil, is the food that the expert says hails for reducing joint inflammation.
Black seed oil is an oil extracted from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, also known as black cumin or kalonji. It is widely available for purchase from most health food shops. A bottle can be purchased for £16 at Holland & Barrett, while those who aren’t a fan of taking liquid supplements can get these 1000 mg Black Seed Oil Cold Pressed Capsules for £13.99 on Amazon.
Black seed oil is an oil extracted from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant(Image: Getty Images)
Dr Berg continued: “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 explains that the thymoquinone found in black seed oil can boost health in a number of ways.
Some of these benefits include the ingredient’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
The compound is also thought to support wound healing, reduce blood pressure, and potentially combat cancer.
A study published in Science Direct in 2021 showed that thymoquinone indeed has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties in several disorders such as chronic inflammation, as well as asthma, hypertension, diabetes, bronchitis, headache, eczema, fever, dizziness and influenza.
If you can’t get your hands on black seed oil, you still can reap the benefits of more commonly found turmeric and ginger.
Healthline explains that ginger contains bioactive compounds such as gingerol that can help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain associated with various conditions like muscle soreness, arthritis, and digestive issues.
The Mayo Clinic also explains that there are various studies looking at the benefits of turmeric for anti-inflammation. Several studies show turmeric to be just as effective as ibuprofen for reducing inflammation, swelling, and pain, but more research is needed to confirm these effects.
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