10 Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods and What They Do

So, here’s what we know about inflammation. Inflammation is a defense mechanism; it happens when our body detects intruders, you have developed an infection, or you sprained your ankle.

Inflammation overflows the affected area by pumping extra blood, which brings extra white cells to fight the invader and helps heal wounds faster.

Inflammation is our friend unless it becomes chronic.

A long-term inflammation, even if mild, can take its toll on our bodies. Your defense system is always on guard, but there’s no clear threat.

Scientists have linked chronic inflammation to some types of cancer, circulatory diseases, and even strokes.

And while the scientific community is still trying to figure out the whys and hows of the chronic disease, most researchers agree that a healthy diet that includes anti-inflammatory food is a way to prevent this sickness.

Here are a few foods you can include in your diet to prevent and, in some way, treat chronic inflammation.

10 – Tomatoes

The name of the game is antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight inflammation because they clear your bloodstream from loose, potentially harmful molecules, and strengthen your body tissue.

Tomatoes have loads of antioxidants in the form of Lycopene. The fruit also has plenty of minerals and vitamins, so it’s a safe idea to add them to your meal rotation often.

9 – Tea

The real tea: the leaves from the camellia synesis plant has antioxidants named tannins.

Flower teas, like chamomile or other types of flowers, have fewer antioxidants.

Green, Black, Oolong, Earl Grey, you name it, tea will protect you from inflammation, so have a cup once in a while.

8 – Nuts

Nuts are healthy; they are packed with good, mono-saturated fats that can help you have clean arteries. They have lots of vitamin E that protect our body from free radicals in our bloodstream too.

Pecans, walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts pick your favorite and have a fistful after lunch.

7 – Leafy Greens

You know you don’t eat enough of these, and that’s too bad because they’re great against inflammation and other conditions — they’re packed with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Kale, spinach, collard greens, arugula, they all make a tasty salad that’s healthy for you too.

6 – Fatty Fish

Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, or anchovies are a valuable source of useful oils and omega-3 fatty acids.

You’ve heard about omega-3 before, but perhaps you don’t know that your body turns them into molecules called protectins, which protect you from inflammation.

5 – Fruits

Eating fruit often is healthy all around, anti-inflammatory or not.

Having said that, some fruits, like berries and cherries, are a source for anthocyanins, which are high antioxidants.

Like other fruit, grapes also have anthocyanins, but they carry a bonus: resveratrol, a compound that keeps your circulatory system in check.

4 – Olive Oil

Just a few spoonfuls of olive oil a day (add it to your salads) have potent health benefits against cancer, heart decease, and inflammation. It’s the monounsaturated fats and antioxidants found in it.

Make sure you use extra virgin olive oil and ingest it raw. Although it’s excellent for cooking, its health benefits show better when uncooked.

3 – Turmeric

If you like Indian food, you’re in luck, because the vast array of spices used in the flavorful food is rich in curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory used widely in traditional medicine.

Spice things up and stay healthy. Visit your local Indian restaurant and take care of yourself.

2 – Chocolate

Chocolate, especially the dark type, is, as you know, quite bitter. It’s the flavanols that give the bitter and chocolatey flavors to our favorite treat. These particles are great to strengthen your artery’s walls and keep inflammation at bay.

Make sure you enjoy chocolate high in cacao, at least 70%, it’s the healthiest AND the tastiest.