Reduce Inflammation With these Key foods
Inflammation. It's not just for health headlines.
It's a fact.
Scientists are measuring levels of inflammation in our bodies and finding that it can be pretty bad for our health; this is especially true when it's chronic (i.e. last a long time).
But, instead of writing all about what it is, how it's measured, and where it comes from; why don't I focus on some foods packed with anti-inflammatory antioxidants that are proven to help reduce it?
Here are my top anti-inflammatory foods recommendations:
Anti-inflammatory Food #1: Berries, Grapes and Cherries
Why save the best for last? Perhaps the most amazingly delicious anti-inflammatory foods are a sweet favorite of yours?
Berries, grapes, and cherries are packed with fiber, and antioxidant vitamins (e.g. vitamin C) and minerals (e.g. manganese).
Oh, and did I forget to mention their phytochemicals (phyto=plant)? Yes, many antioxidants such as "anthocyanins" and "resveratrol" are found in these small and delicious fruits.
In fact, berries, grapes, and cherries may be the best dietary sources of thee amazingly heathy compounds.
Anti-inflammatory Food #2: Broccoli and Peppers
Broccoli is a calciferous vegetable that contains the antioxidant "sulforaphane." This anti-inflammatory compound is associated with reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
Bell peppers, on the other hand, are one of the best sources of the antioxidants vitamin C and quercetin.
Just make sure to choose red peppers over the other colors. Peppers that are any other color are not fully ripe and won't have the same anti-inflammatory effect.
I pack these two super-healthy vegetables together in this week's recipe (see below).
Anti-inflammatory Food #3: Healthy Fats (avocado, olive oil, fatty fish)
Fat can be terribly inflammatory (hello: "trans" fats), neutral (hello: saturated fats), a anti-inflammatory (hello: "omega-3s), this is why choosing the right fats is so important for your health.
The best anti-inflammatory fats are the unsaturated ones, including omega-3s. These are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
Opt for fresh avocados, extra virgin olive oil, small fish (e.g. sardines and mackerel), and wild fish (e.g. salmon). Oh and don't forget the omega-3 seeds like chia, hemp, and flax.
Anti-inflammatory Food #4: Green Tea
Green teas contains the anti-inflammatory compound called "epigallocatechin-3-gallate", othewise known as EGCG.
EGCG is linked to reduced risk of heart disease, certain cancers, obesity, and Alzheimer's.
Drinking steeped green tea is great, but have you tried matcha green tea? It's though to contain even higher levels of antioxidants than regular green tea.
Anti-inflammatory Food #5 - Turmeric
Would a list of anti-inflammatory foods be complete without the amazing spice turmeric?
Turmeric contains the antioxidant curcumin.
I've added it to the broccoli and pepper recipe below for a 1-2-3 punch, to kick that inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory Food #6 - Dark Chocolate
Ok, ok, This *may* be slightly more decadent than my #1 pick of berries, grapes, and cherries.
Dark chocolate, with at least 70% cocoa is packed with anti-inflammatory antioxidants (namely "flavonols"). These reduce the risk of heart disease by keeping your arteries healthy. They've even been shown to prevent "neuro-inflammation" (inflammation of the brain and nerves). Reducing neuro-inflammation may help with long-term memory, and reduce the risk of dementia and stroke.
Make sure you avoid the sugary "candy bar." You already know those aren't going to be anti-inflammatory!
Conclusion:
There are just so many amazing delicious and nutritious anti-inflammatory foods you can choose. They range from colorful berries, vegetables, and spices, to healthy fats, and even cocoa.
You have so many reasons to add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet to get your daily dose of "anti-inflammatory."
For additional information, help with better health, diet, recipe plans or just life style changes visit:
Enjoy this recipe: (Broccoli, Pepper, Turmeric): Anti-inflammatory Quinoa
Serves 2
1. 3/4 cup dry quinoa (pre-rinsed)
2. 2 tbsp. coconut oil
3. 1 medium onion, diced
4. 1 bell pepper, chopped
5. 1 dash salt
6. 1/2 tbsp turmeric
7. 1 dash black pepper
8. 2 cups broccoli, chopped
In a saucepan place 2 cups of water and bring to boil. Reduce heat and add the quinoa and simmer until the water is absorbed (about 10-15 minutes).
Melt coconut oil in a skillet. Add diced onions, turmeric, pepper and salt, and lightly saute' for a few minutes.
Add broccoli and lightly saute' for 5-6 minutes, until it becomes softened.
Add the cooked quinoa and stir everything together.
Serve & enjoy!
Tip: Add some cayenne pepper or curry spice for an extra spicy kick.
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If you missed last weeks blog on Ways to Have a Healthy Autumn and a great recipe video, check out below!
at: https://www.symplicitywellness.com
References:
https://www.authoritynutrition.com/13-anti-inflammatory-foods/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4717884/
https://www.authoritynutirtion.com/to-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea/
https://www.authoritynutrition.com/matcha-green-tea/
https://neurotrition.ca/blog/brain-food-essentials-cacao
https://leesaklich.com/foods-vs-supps/foods-vs-supplements-the-turmeric-edition/
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