Injuries are a key reason why many people quit fitness training or do not start it in the first place. It is understandable – we all try to avoid being in pain, incapacitated or unable to move freely and go about our daily business. However, injuries can happen even when you are not doing fitness exercises, for example as you try to fix something around the house, or as you walk down the street. In fact, chances are that people who are not fit and toned are more accident prone than those that are.

Suffering a fitness-related injury is quite a drawback for anyone, halting their progress and causing them to go back and rebuild their strength and endurance after they recover. This is yet another reason why many people will likely give up their gym subscription. What if we told you that there are ways in which you can speed up your healing and get back to your training sooner than you thought? One of these ways relates to your diet.

Yes, what you eat can prove critical in helping your injury heal faster, without side effects or visible scars. Today we will share with you the top foods to include in your daily menu, and not just when you suffer a fitness injury, but also as part of a healthy and nutritious diet.

  1. Citrus Fruit

Oranges, lemons, tangerines, kiwis – these are delicious citrus fruits, rich in Vitamin C, which should not be left out of your menu for any reason. Whether you prepare a freshly squeezed juice to quench your thirst or eat them in fruit salads, include as many citrus fruits in your daily meals.

Vitamin C has a key role in healing injuries by creating new protein for cells, scar tissues, muscles and tendons. It is also beneficial in maintaining the health of cartilages and bones. Since the human body does not naturally produce Vitamin C, it is essential to procure it from natural sources, such as citrus fruit or vegetables (peppers, for example).

  1. Broccoli

This vegetable which looks like a tiny tree belongs to the cruciferous family of vegetables, like cabbage and cauliflower. The main benefit of eating broccoli is the intake of phytonutrients. These compounds help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system – two key actions in speeding up the healing of an injury.

Broccoli is also rich in Vitamin C, making it your superhero food in your fight against fitness injuries.

  1. Tomatoes

This delicious fruit (yes, tomato is a fruit, not a vegetable) can be easily included in any diet, no matter what your tastes in food are. If you enjoy sandwiches in the morning, add a few slices of tomato atop your bacon and cheese. Need a cool drink? Tomato juice is both refreshing and tasty.

In terms of benefits for healing injuries, tomatoes are rich in the antioxidant called lycopene. Lycopene prevents open wound infections, strengthens the immune system to fight against viruses and microbes, and protects your body from oxidation caused by pollution and an unhealthy diet.

  1. Salmon

Healthy, nourishing and delicious, salmon is one of the most popular types of fish worldwide. You can either cook it or buy it smoked and serve it as a snack or in a sandwich.

Salmon is rich in Omega-3 antioxidant. Medical studies conducted on patients with rheumatism found that Omega-3 helps reduce inflammation and manage pain, to the point that painkillers were no longer necessary. In the case of an injury, such as a sprained ankle or a strained ligament,

Omega-3 will reduce both the swelling and inflammation, and help you heal faster.

  1. Soy

You do not need to be a vegan to include soy in your diet alongside meat and dairy products. Soy is rich in Vitamins A, C, D, E and K and also in proteins. These combined substances will protect the injured areas from infection, help build tissue, enhance the immune function and thus lead you to a faster recovery.