Anti-inflammatory foods to add to your diet

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is a natural component of the healing process. It is the reason is why some parts of our body will swell and go red after we hurt it. However, this inflammatory healing process may occasionally go awry, lasting much too long and causing more harm than good. When inflammation is triggered by a long-term issue, it can lead to health issues. Inflammation caused by persistent stress, obesity, or an autoimmune problem can lead to disorders like arthritis, heart disease, and cancer over time. It might also be harmful to the brain. Higher levels of inflammation in the brain have been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and impairment, according to researchers. Anti-inflammatory foods should be included in your diet on a regular basis to assist turn off this process.

How can I eat more anti-inflammatory foods?

Rather than trying to eat a specific food with anti-inflammatory qualities, you can instead adopt a new diet that already incorporates anti-inflammatory foods. There are 3 diets that have been hailed as incorporating the right amount of anti-inflammatory foods. These are the Mediterranean diet, the Dash diet and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index. These diets are similar in that they place a focus on anti-inflammatory foods including colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats like olive oil and nut butters. But, perhaps more crucially, these diets avoid items that can raise levels of inflammatory markers in the body, such as C-reactive protein, such as highly processed snacks, red meat, and sugary beverages.

Mixing and mixing items from these diets, as well as picking the freshest in-season choices, can help you design an anti-inflammatory strategy that suits your specific tastes. Whole grains, legumes, and heart-healthy oils may be eaten all year, but for extra variety, mix and match your fruits and veggies.

Another principle to adhere to when trying to eat anti-inflammatory foods, is to eat foods that are in season. While there have not been any in depth studies into the anti-inflammatory benefits of eating foods in season, it is understood that foods that are in season will be fresher and are more cost efficient.

How do I know what food are in season?

For those unfamiliar with the seasons and what foods are available in them, you need not fret. Below are some of the highlights of each season.

During the winter you can try snacking on leafy greens like Kale or fruits like Kiwis. Other examples include brussels sprouts, lemons or oranges

During Spring, consider stocking up on Apricots, Avocados, carrots and mushrooms.

During summer, strawberries and blueberries will be in season. As well as Eggplants, Zucchinis and Watermelons.

In fall, go for some apples, cabbage and garlic.