Foods with anti-inflammatory properties are an excellent preventive measure for health.
The 10 most anti-inflammatory foods (and with other beneficial properties)
Food is a fundamental factor in taking care of our health . Specifically as far as the inflammation of our tissues is concerned, this is also the case. There are a number of foods that contain a multitude of anti-inflammatory substances that can help us prevent undesirable diseases.
Cortisol is a hormone that the body produces too much when the body is stressed, and this circumstance puts our body in a bind. In any case, we can fight against this and other oxidative stress processes that our body suffers. Thanks to the properties and benefits of the most anti-inflammatory foods, it is possible to help our body to prevent diseases.
1. Beet
The multiple antioxidant substances in beets prevent inflammation of our tissues . This is due to very beneficial phytonutrients such as betalains, a substance to which we owe its reddish color. These antioxidant molecules join the action of other substances such as vitamin C, being a great help in preventing anti-inflammatory diseases but also cancer or infectious diseases. It also has a good supply of minerals such as potassium or magnesium.
2. Ginger
We start the list with ginger, one of the most anti-inflammatory foods that exist . Thanks to substances such as gingerol, we can take advantage of the anti-inflammatory capacity of this food. This root can be taken both fresh and powdered, and its properties and benefits for our body go much further. Its antitumor and antioxidant action stands out, and its intake is recommended for people with anti-inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is from the ginger family and is also an extraordinary spice . It should be at the top of the list for its anti-inflammatory properties, but it also brings us many other benefits. To general inflammation problems we can highlight its analgesic capacity, as well as its digestive and tissue regeneration properties.
4. Flax seeds and chia seeds
These two types of seeds in particular are very anti-inflammatory . We owe these properties especially to omega-3 essential fatty acids, an essential substance for our body. Eating anti-inflammatory foods like flaxseeds and chia seeds regularly is very important; Sources of omega-3 fatty acids are scarce and our bodies cannot produce this essential nutrient.
5. Nuts
Nuts provide us with a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances . Omega-3 essential acids and vitamin E also stand out. They are substances that participate in the prevention and repair of the damage suffered by our tissues, so a handful of nuts a day should not be missing. It is not recommended to eat much more than this, since they contain many calories.
6. Red fruits
In any healthy diet you can not miss the fruit . Its contribution in vitamins, minerals and fiber is also complemented by substances with great properties and benefits for our body. In any case, we must highlight red fruits in particular as excellent anti-inflammatory foods. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and even cherries contain some very beneficial substances to which they owe their reddish color.
7. Olive Oil
Olive oil is also a product that cannot be missing from our diet . It is a source of monounsaturated fats, which represent an excellent help when fighting free radicals and other substances capable of oxidizing our body. To these nutrients we must add vitamin E, as well as other vitamins (A, D and K), which prevent different degenerative processes from taking place in our body.
8. Tomato
In the tomato, one substance stands out above the others; lycopene : Lycopene is a carotenoid that has many anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, so eating tomatoes on a regular basis is a great help to our body. It also contains vitamins A, C, E and some of the B group, thus also helping the body’s defenses in other ways.
9. Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables have many properties and benefits . The anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties are the most outstanding, in addition to the fact that they are very purifying vegetables. They are not the favorite of many people, but they should be eaten weekly. Cabbage, broccoli or cauliflower are some of the anti-inflammatory foods belonging to this group.
10. Green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables also have anti-inflammatory properties . Their contribution in fiber, minerals and vitamins is very rich, but they also contain many phytochemicals. These are beneficial substances for our body, such as chlorophyll to which they owe their intense green color. Chard, spinach or arugula are representatives of this group. It is pertinent to note that it is best to take them raw from time to time whenever possible.
Bibliographic references
- Fernandez, O. (2013). My anti-cancer recipes: Food and anti-cancer life. Barcelona: Urano SAU Editions .
- Well, M. (2016). The organic family garden. Barcelona: RBA (Comprehensive) .
- Lenart, G. (2013). Alkalizing drinks. Green smoothies, juices and foods to be healthy. Madrid: Editorial EDAF, SL .
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.