We all are aware that aspirin is a salicylic acid  commonly used for pain and inflammation. But it might surprise you to know that many fruits, vegetables, and spices are a naturally rich source of salicylates. Salicylates, a type of polyphenol,  can act as a natural form of aspirin.

Researchers found that vegetarians have serum concentrations of salicylic acid as high as folks who ingest 75 mg of aspirin a day (the amount in half of a baby aspirin). How many of you are currently taking aspirin everyday for heart health?

The authors concluded “…it is possible that dietary salicylates will prove to be one of the reasons why diets rich in fruits and vegetables protect against colorectal cancer and cardiovascular disease”.  This makes a lot of sense to me since these types of dysfunctions are usually inflammatory based.

Isn’t this just another good reason to make fruits and vegetables an important part of your diet?

Reference:  Blaylock CJ, et al, Salicylic acid concentrations in the serum of subjects not taking aspirin: comparison of salicylic acid concentration in the serum of vegetarians, non-vegetarians and patients taking low-dose aspirin, J Clin Pathol, 54: 553-55, 2001