Eat Anti Inflammatory Foods for Optimum Health
By Brad Bahr
In order to prevent inflammation from developing in the body or to discourage the development of more inflammation as well as to decrease your chance of developing a chronic disease, it is essential to eat foods that are anti-inflammatory in nature.
Omega-3 essential fatty acids are extremely effective at fighting inflammation. The omega-3s are found in such foods as flax seeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, canola oil, and cold water oily fish such as salmon and mackerel. Making the decision to supplement your diet with either fish oil or flax oil is an excellent way of adding more omega-3 essential fatty acids to your diet and therefore decreasing inflammation. Olive oil is also beneficial in the fight against inflammation. Studies have shown that olive oil is excellent at decreasing the risk of heart disease and it beneficial at fighting pain. Other kinds of oils that fall under the healthy category include grape seed oil, rice bran oil and walnut oil.
Protein is essential for building healthy tissues in the body. Good sources of protein include such foods as fish and other types of seafood, legumes, nuts, seeds and lean poultry. Red meats can be especially high in fat. If you are a red meat lover and don’t want to give it up entirely then instead choose lean cuts of such meats as venison, bison and other kinds of meat of wild game or choose low-fat beef from the grocery store. It is best to look fro beef that is deemed as “grass-fed beef.” Other sources of protein that are excellent when it comes to decreasing pain as well as inflammation in the body include soybeans, soy milk and tofu.
When it comes to carbohydrates obtain these from healthy whole grain sources as well as fruits and vegetables. When you buy breads, cereals and pasta always purchase products that are made with 100 percent whole grains. Whole grains are excellent for health and are chocked full of fiber. Be aware that a diet high in fiber will help to reduce inflammation in the body.
When it comes to vegetables, dark, leafy green vegetables are the best choice and also make sure you eat plenty of fresh fruits. It is recommended that everyone eat at least five, if not more servings of both fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Whole fruits as well as green leafy vegetables are also extremely good sources of dietary fiber, which helps regulate the digestive system, and keeps it running smoothly.
If you read for any type of fruit, berries come out on top. In particular blueberries and strawberries are the best because both are full of antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, which fight diseases and also reduce inflammation in the body. It is the pigments in many fruits, such as berries, as well as many vegetables that is believed to contain a great deal of phytochemicals and to have many properties of an anti-inflammatory nature. To use an example, there is a substance known as quercetin that can be found in apples as well as the skins of red onions and it is believed to have very intense anti-inflammatory powers.
About the author: Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: Learn More
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