ANTI INFLAMMATORY FOODS

Almonds

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Almonds are an excellent source of monounsaturated fats (similar to olive oil), vitamin E, and manganese. They’re also a good source of magnesiumand plant protein. In research studies, eating almonds has been associated with having a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, probably by improving the fatty acids profile of your blood.

Almonds are also very satiating, so even though they’re a little higher in calories than many other anti-inflammatory foods, eating a handful of almonds may help you stick with a healthy weight loss program.

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Avocados

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Avocados are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, plus they're an excellent source of magnesium, fiber, and potassium while being low in sodium. Eating half an avocado will also add nicely to your daily intake of vitamins C, A, E, and B-complex vitamins.

The combination of these nutrients and the polyphenols that work as antioxidants make avocados a must-have for any anti-inflammatory diet. Add avocado slices to your favorite sandwich or salad, or make a tasty guacamole.

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Broccoli

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Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables that are high in phytochemicals called glucosinolates. These phytochemicals are powerful antioxidants. Broccoli is also an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and vitamin A, all while being low in calories.

It's easy to get more broccoli into your diet because it's delicious cooked or raw.

Epidemiological studies show that eating a diet high in cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, is associated with having a lower risk of certain types of cancer.

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Blueberries

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Blueberries contain significant amounts of polyphenols that trigger antioxidant activity and may help to prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease. These phytochemicals, including flavonoids, anthocyanidins, phenolic acids, and tannins, prevent and repair the cellular damage done by free radicals.

Laboratory studies show the chemicals in blueberries may also prevent cancer by slowing down the growth of cells and reducing inflammation. They're also low in calories and add vitamin C, vitamin E, and fiber to your daily diet. And don't forget they're also absolutely delicious!

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Carrots

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Carrots contain beta-carotene, which your body can convert to vitamin A, which is essential for your health, but it's also a powerful antioxidant in its own right. Carrots also contain zeaxanthin and lutein, which are also related to vitamin A. Eating a diet rich in these antioxidants may help to reduce your risk of cancer by preventing damage to the healthy cells of your body.

Since carrots are low in calories and a good source of fiber, they can also help you lose weight if necessary—important because obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. 

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Dry Beans

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Dry beans, such as navy beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans, are an excellent anti-inflammatory source of plant protein, minerals, B-complex vitamins, and vitamin K. They're also chock-full of beneficial fiber, and they contain polyphenols that work as antioxidants.

Since beans are high in protein, they're perfect for meatless meals you'll love even if you're not a vegetarian.

Research suggests dry beans may provide health benefits and help prevent some types of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, as well as reduce inflammation.

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Kale

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Kale is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, and a good source of calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C while being low in sodium. It's also low in calories and has a bit of fiber. 

Kale contains compounds called glucosinolates that may help prevent cancer, plus lutein and zeaxanthin, which are related to vitamin A and may help lower your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration. Also, lutein may help prevent atherosclerosis. Add kale to a salad or eat kale chips as a snack.

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Olive Oil

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Olive oil is an essential component of the Mediterranean diet, which has been linked to heart health and longevity. It's rich in monounsaturated fats that are good for your blood vessels and has polyphenols that work as antioxidants to protect the cells in your body.

Olive oil helps reduce inflammation, reduces high cholesterol, and it's possible that some of the polyphenols may help prevent some forms of cancer, so it's an amazing oil to add to your kitchen. It's not always best for cooking but it's perfect for salad dressings and for finishing vegetable side dishes.

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Oranges
 STRAWBERRIES

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Strawberries are delicious, juicy, and sweet—and to make it even better, they're also good for your health. Strawberries are low in calories, high in fiber, and they contain vitamins and minerals your body needs to function normally, including a lot of vitamin C. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and plenty of potential health benefits. 

Just about all berries are good for you because the pigments that give them their color also contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation.

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Sweet Potatoes

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Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals. Like most orange-colored vegetables, they're extremely high in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which is a potent antioxidant. Sweet potatoes also are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and K, potassium, and B complex vitamins.

Sweet potatoes also have plenty of fiber and aren't too high in calories, so they make a delicious addition to any diet. A baked sweet potato is perfect as a side dish or top it with baked beans and broccoli and eat it as a meal.

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Swiss Chard

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Swiss chard is so beautiful and delicious. It's a wonderful (and colorful) leafy green vegetable to add to your anti-inflammatory shopping list. Swiss chard is an excellent source of vitamins A and K, a good source of several minerals and very low in calories.

Research suggests that Swiss chard may have flavonoids that work as antioxidants and reduce inflammation so it makes a healthy addition to your menu.

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Walnuts

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Walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, vitamin E, minerals, and phytochemicals called sterols. They also contain monounsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids that are good for your heart. Walnuts are also energy-dense, so you may need to watch your portion size, but, even though they are high in calories, eating a handful of walnuts can help you feel full longer and actually help you lose weight.

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