C-Force: We Need to Find Our Way to Foods That Fight Disease

It is commonly known that milk and dairy products are among the best calcium sources. But certain nuts and seeds are also rich in calcium. "Some proteins, such as tofu with added calcium sulfate, and canned fish with bones, are high in calcium," according to the Cleveland Clinic report. "You may need to read the labels closely to decipher which foods can deliver your daily calcium dose." The percentage of the daily recommended value is based on 1,200 milligrams of calcium.

Because your bones weaken as you age, a calcium deficiency may go unnoticed. "Many people don't notice any symptoms until a bone fracture. ... By choosing calcium-rich foods, you can protect your bone health now and into the future," according to the report.

"Inflammation refers to your body's process of fighting against things that harm it, like infections, injuries, and toxins," notes a Healthline report. It can cause symptoms like fatigue, pain and weight loss. Chronic inflammation also has a "negative impact on your tissues and organs," leading to diseases like cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

"Some herbs and spices, such as ginger and black pepper, contain anti-inflammatory compounds that may reduce inflammation and benefit your overall health," according to another Healthline report. "Ginger is also incredibly versatile and easy to incorporate into many dishes."

People have also used ginger for thousands of years in traditional medicine to heal numerous conditions. "These include colds, migraines, nausea, arthritis, and high blood pressure."

Black pepper, "known as the king of spices," is popular around the world. "Traditionally, people used black pepper to treat certain health conditions, such as asthma, diarrhea, and many other gastric ailments." It is widely available and easy to add to your diet.

Among other herbs and spices you might want to explore as to their medicinal properties, consider turmeric, cardamom, rosemary and green tea. They are known for helping reduce inflammation while spicing up your diet.

Topping off this discussion of foods that fight disease, here is one high in antioxidants and nutrients, and known to help folks sleep better: just add a cherry on top.

Cherries have many health benefits, explains registered dietitian Carly Sedlacek in a Cleveland Clinic report. The fruit is high in antioxidants like vitamins A (beta-carotene), C and E, which "protect against inflammation and fight free radicals, which can cause cell damage and contribute to chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease." Cherries also help you sleep better thanks to high levels of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, and tryptophan. "The high amounts of anthocyanins and melatonin in cherries protect against cancer-causing cell damage."

According to the report, "more than a thousand cherry varieties grown in the United States." Whether sweet or tart, the fruit provides many health benefits.

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