6 Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods You Need to Start Eating

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Did you know that what you eat can negatively or possitively effect inflammation in the body? Interestingly enough, chronic inflammation, which is the prolonged response to how your body handles danger, can be combated by certain foods. And it’s vital to add the best anti-inflammatory foods to your diet to prevent any major illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and even depression. Check out some of the best recommendations to start adding to your diet.

6. Leafy Greens

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Leafy greens are considered a superfood, and rightly so for all their nutritional properties. Not only do leafy greens offer an amazing amount of fiber, which is great for your gut health, but they also offer a wide array of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that reduce inflammation. These greens include kale, spinach, swiss chard, collard greens, and arugula. It’s super easy to just make a side salad full of greens a few times a week to combat inflammation.

5. Berries

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Berries, including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, are a perfect way to combat inflammation. The fruits are considered antioxidant powerhouses because they’re loaded with anthocyanins, vitamin C, and other compounds that reduce inflammation. What makes this one of the best anti-inflammatory foods is also because of how easy it is to grab a handful and eat them throughout the day, or simply blend them into a smoothie for an afternoon treat.

4. Chicken and Turkey

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Lean proteins, including chicken and turkey, are another one of the best anti-inflammatory foods to pick. For instance, turkey contains less fat and cholesterol, and more protein, making it a great alternative to ground beef. Along with that, lean protein sources like chicken are often more affordable.

3. Whole Grains

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Whole grain options, including whole grain oats, bread, quinoa, and more, are one of the best anti-inflammatory foods to add to your diet. They are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and prebiotics, which work together to soothe the body’s inflammation response. Making this simple swap is an easy and nutritious way to combat inflammation this year.

2. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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One that might be shocking to learn is that extra virgin olive oil is actually incredibly beneficial when combating inflammation. The specific olive oil contains compounds such as oleocanthal, which is shown to inhibit the same inflammatory pathways as ibuprofen, which helps reduce pain and inflammation. Not only that, but extra virgin olive oil is also shown to help with heart health, making it an overall healthy option.

1. Turmeric

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But if there’s one ingredient that is crucial to have in your diet if you want to reduce inflammation, it has to be turmeric. Turmeric is known for its outstanding anti-inflammation properties, specifically because of curcumin, the active compound that helps reduce inflamation and improve conditions like arthritis and other chronic inflammatory diseases. Turmeric is a delicious spice that can be added to various meals, but it is also a popular ingredient in wellness shots for easy consumption.

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