Top 10 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Include in Your Diet

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Inflammation is the body’s natural way of reacting to infection and injury but in some cases, chronic inflammation can actually lead to health problems. External factors can also result in inflammation including stress, an inactive lifestyle, and excessive consumption of inflammatory foods such as sugar, refined carbohydrates, and processed meat. Fortunately, there are also plenty of foods that help fight the symptoms of chronic inflammation. Here are ten examples, with a few delicious recipes to help you include them in your diet. 

Turmeric

Tumeric is the root of the Curcuma plant and it contains the powerful anti-inflammatory nutrient curcumin. This is used to treat inflammation related to arthritis for example. People who experience chronic inflammation or pain from certain illnesses often can benefit from curcumin supplements or a tramadol sale. For those of you who would prefer to ingest it in a recipe, you could try a trendy turmeric latte. These are pretty common in most coffee shops. You could also try making your own curries or other popular Indian dishes at home.

Fatty fish

Fatty fish is beneficial in many ways if you want to improve your health. It’s rich in omega 3 as well as having anti-inflammatory properties as a result. Your body metabolizes the fatty acids found in omega 3 into compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects. The best sources include anchovies, mackerel, salmon, sardines, and herring, so you can take your pick. There are plenty of ways you can include some of these fish in your diet. You can experiment with your favorite recipes. 

Avocado

Avocados are associated with reducing inflammation in skin cells, and what’s more, they contain plenty of essential nutrients. These include fiber, magnesium, potassium, and healthy fats. Avocados can be used in a number of recipes from smoothies to simple salads. If you want to try something more complicated, you could make baked eggs in avocado. You can bake the eggs directly in the center of the avocado halves for a delicious brunch favorite.

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Mushrooms

Mushrooms contain various antioxidants for anti-inflammatory protection. Apparently, if you want to reap their full potential it’s better to eat them raw or lightly cooked. Here are some delicious mushroom recipes to give you inspiration. Mushrooms are also a low-calorie source of fiber and protein. They are rich in other nutrients including selenium, copper, and B vitamins. This is why they’re commonly used as an ideal meat substitute.

Peppers 

There are many health benefits to including peppers in your diet. Chilli and bell peppers, in particular, are good sources of vitamin C and antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects. They’re also very versatile and can be used in a number of different recipes. They can be eaten raw in salads, grilled, roasted, or in stews and curries. You certainly can’t go wrong with peppers and spicier varieties will certainly liven up your cooking. They make the perfect addition to a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet.

Tomatoes 

Another popular choice on the list of foods that fight inflammation, tomatoes are also very versatile. They can be eaten raw or cooked in a wide variety of dishes. Tomatoes contain the antioxidant lycopene which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. An interesting fact about lycopene is that it’s a carotenoid, a type of nutrient that’s better absorbed if it’s consumed with a source of fat. This means that if you cook or prepare your tomatoes with olive oil, for example, your body will benefit even more from their anti-inflammatory properties. 

Olive oil

Olive oil itself is also considered an anti-inflammatory food. It contains the antioxidant oleocanthal which actually shares anti-inflammatory characteristics with Ibuprofen. Olive oil is great for cooking, as an ingredient in salad dressing, and much more. It’s better to choose the more refined olive oils, however, such as Extra Virgin. Here are some of the best olive oils reviewed by chefs.

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Green tea

The reason green tea is considered such a healthy beverage is because it contains a substance known as EGCG. This has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. As well as being a healthy drink you can also experiment with green tea, or matcha, in a wide range of recipes. It actually adds an interesting flavor to desserts and is very popular in both Asia and South America. Check out this green tea ice cream recipe for a different dessert to prepare this year. The subtle bitter taste of the matcha balances out the sweetness of the sugar.

Dark chocolate

Another dessert ingredient on the anti-inflammatory foods list is dark chocolate. In fact, the darker the better, as the stronger its antioxidant levels will be. Chocolate contains flavanols that have antioxidant effects and are beneficial for healthy arteries. In fact, the health benefits of cocoa have been studied for years. Flavanols have been shown to lower blood pressure as well as inflammation, and improve healthy blood flow to the brain and heart. No wonder chocolate is such a great pick me up.

Cherries and berries

Actually, various types of berries and cherries are known as anti-inflammatory foods. If you’re more of a fruit person, then you’re in luck as you can find anti-inflammatory properties in cherries, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. They contain antioxidants such as anthocyanins and catechins which help fight inflammation in the body. These types of fruit are also very convenient to eat as snacks and versatile for cooking. You can have them raw, in a smoothie, or prepare desserts, for example. Have a look at these easy cherry desserts to wow your friends and family at your next dinner party. 

By incorporating these anti-inflammatory foods into your routine, along with healthy habits and plenty of exercise, you’ll notice the benefits. An anti-inflammatory diet may help to prevent certain illnesses and ease the symptoms of conditions such as arthritis, skin ailments, and obesity. Studies are often being carried out to confirm the health benefits of these anti-inflammatory foods. One thing’s for sure, there are certainly plenty of delicious recipes that make it easy to include them in your diet.