5 Foods That Fight Inflammation

Were you aware that food can be a powerful tool for fighting inflammation? Diet is another component in treating various illnesses and improving overall health. We’ve gathered five of our favorite foods that help fight inflammation, which can reduce chronic pain and lower your risk for some illnesses.

Fruits & Veggies

There are so many nutrient-packed, inflammation-fighting powerhouses when it comes to fruits and vegetables. Take berries for example – these tiny fruits aren’t just pretty, they also contain antioxidants that are called anthocyanins, which can reduce risks for certain types of disease. Cherries are another anthocyanins-packed fruit that fights inflammation, and tomatoes are high in vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene. Cooking tomatoes actually increases the amount of lycopene that your body absorbs, but you can certainly eat them raw as well. And we can’t leave out avocados – they’re full of heart-healthy fats. Slice them up, or even spread them on some sprouted grain toast for a delicious, inflammation-fighting meal.

Green tea

You might have heard by now that green tea is one of the healthiest beverages that you can drink other than water. It’s known to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, obesity, and other conditions including Alzheimer’s. It’s also available in a variety of ways from many stores.

Spices.

If you aren’t using spices like ginger, garlic, cinnamon, and turmeric then you should certainly consider adding them to your spice rack. Turmeric is linked to reducing inflammation in arthritis, diabetes, and other illnesses. Ginger is often used to treat sore throats and upset stomachs, and can also be taken in powder form via capsules.

Fatty fish

A source of protein and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fish such as anchovies, herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, and albacore tuna are other foods that help fight inflammation.

Extra virgin olive oil

Because it’s one of the healthiest fats that you can eat, this is definitely something that you should have on hand. There are even studies linking extra virgin olive oil to reduced risks of cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses. It’s also a staple in the Mediterranean diet, which is known to be one of the healthier diets on the planet.