Foods for Wound Healing
Turmeric
Turmeric is a well-known spice that is popularly used for the treatment of wounds. Curcumin, an antioxidant present in turmeric, helps in lowering inflammation and speeding up the healing process. Simply apply a paste of turmeric on the wound and wrap it with a cloth for speedy healing. This is still a common practice in many parts of Asia.
Honey
Honey contains trace amounts of several vitamins and amino acids that can help reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling. Its antibacterial properties further inhibit the infection of wounds.
Dairy Products
Dairy products such as milk and yogurt can aid in the healing process of wounds due to high concentrations of protein and zinc. However, science is yet to provide enough evidence to prove the role of proteins found in milk in terms of wound healing.
Meat
Meat has a significant amount of protein and zinc and therefore, it aids in speeding up the healing of wounds. However, it is a complete myth that keeping a slice of meat on a wound will aid healing.
Zinc
There is ample clinical evidence showing that zinc aids in the promotion of epithelialization of wounds. Foods that contain zinc include meat products (oysters and other seafood, beef, chicken, etc.), dairy products, whole wheat, and wheat germ, beans, lentils, and various nuts.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for the healing of wounds and the formation of scar tissue. Therefore, people with wounds should eat ample amounts of amla, guava, lemon, orange, cranberry, strawberry, pineapple, kiwi fruit, broccoli, cauliflower, tomato, spinach, cabbage, and other food items that contain vitamin C.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin C, which are known to speed up wound healing.
Ghee
Ghee (made from cow’s milk), also known as clarified butter, is used extensively in Ayurveda for the healing of wounds. According to research [6] published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, ghee aids in closing wounds and regenerating cells around the wounds, eventually speeding up the healing process.