The Best Foods With Anti Inflammatory Properties

Inflammation is a buzzword tossed around almost as much as you fill your Stanley cup. But many people don’t actually know what it is and why it can be so damaging. Systemic Inflammation, the type that affects the whole body, is a factor linked to many health conditions, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, Crohn’s disease, IBS, some forms of cancer, arthritis, and even Alzheimer’s disease.  There are many factors that may cause inflammation in our bodies. Diet is a very important one. Your diet can work against you and increase inflammation or it can work for you, helping to reduce inflammation, prevent disease and live a healthier life. The Mediterranean Diet is anti-inflammatory due to it being rich in vegetables, fruits, fish, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and olive oil—all anti-inflammatory foods. Researchers have found that people living in the areas surrounding the Mediterranean Sea have lower rates of disease and higher life expectancy than people in the United States who consume a more traditional Western diet. We don’t need to live in the mediterranean or eat a strict mediterranean diet to reap the benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet. What can we do? We can focus on these high anti-inflammatory nutrients found in some of the most delicious foods:  Antioxidants Omega-3 Fatty Acids Omega-3 Fatty Acids support overall heart health, eye health, and brain health by reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of chronic diseases. Fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, tuna, striped bass and anchovies are great sources of omega-3’s in addition to nuts and seeds.  Pre and probiotics Pre and probiotics are important for decreasing inflammation due to the important role they play in the gut. The gut plays a critical role in the body, such as supporting immune function and metabolism. When the gut isn’t healthy and is inflamed the entire body can be affected. Foods rich in prebiotics and probiotics, such as artichoke, asparagus, banana, yogurt, and cottage cheese are great for gut health! Probiotics are active strains of bacteria that occur within certain foods and drinks, such as yogurt or kombucha. An example day of eating an anti-inflammatory diet with Nutritious Life recipes: To add more anti-inflammatory benefits to your meals, you can add spices and herbs.  Loved this article? Ready to transform lives? Unlock your full potential and join Keri Glassman’s Become a Nutrition Coach program today or speak to a Program Advisor! (Image: Unsplash)