Inflammation is a part of your body. It can be both good and bad. While it helps your body defend itself from infection and injury, chronic inflammation may also lead to weight gain and disease. So how can one keep inflammation in control? Consuming certain anti-inflammatory foods can be a good start.
1) Berries
They are small fruits rife with fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain antioxidants called anthocyanins. These compounds have anti-inflammatory effects that may reduce your risk of disease. The most commonly consumed berries are strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
2) Broccoli
Broccoli is an extremely nutritious cruciferous vegetable. It is rich in sulforaphane, an antioxidant that fights inflammation by reducing your levels of cytokines and NF-kB, which drive inflammation.
3) Avocados
One of the few supposed superfoods worth the hype. Avocados are packed with potassium, magnesium, fibre, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. They also contain carotenoids and tocopherols, which are linked to reduced cancer risk. They offer various beneficial compounds that protect against inflammation.
4) Green Tea
One of the healthiest beverages one can drink, green tea reduces your risk of heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, obesity, and other conditions. It contains a substance called epigallcatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which inhibits inflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production and damage to the fatty acids in one's cells.
