Last week, we talked about the devastating effects that chronic inflammation can wreak on your body. Today, we are going to discuss what foods you can add to your diet to help battle inflammation and help you feel better all around!
According to Harvard Health Publications, here are a few examples of anti-inflammatory foods to include in your diet:
- Tomatoes
- Fruits (strawberries, blueberries, oranges and cherries)
- Nuts (almonds, walnuts)
- Olive oil
- Green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale and collards)
- Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines)
You can also add in herbs and spices to your food prep that pack an anti-inflammatory punch. Many of these herbs and spices contain a variety of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that help maximize the nutrient density of your meals, according to Dr. Mercola.
Interestingly enough, in a recent study, researchers analyzed blood drawn from participants who consumed a small amount of a particular spice each day for how well the blood could dampen an induced inflammatory response in white blood cells, specifically ones damaged by oxidized cholesterol (commonly found in fried foods). These four spices were found to be significantly effective at suppressing the inflammatory response:
- Cloves
- Ginger
- Rosemary
- Turmeric
By adding anti-inflammatory foods to your diet, you are lowering your risk of chronic health problems associated with obesity, diabetes, heart disease and arthritis, to name a few. Focus on a balanced diet with whole, minimally processed foods and you are well on your way to better health!