Anti-Inflammatory Foods

What is inflammation:

We can trace the word inflammation from Latin to mean “ set afire”. Inflammation is part of the immune system’s response to injury and infection. The bodies’ lymphatic system is made up of our white blood cells, lymph, lymph vessels and lymph nodes. Inflammation is the process in which white blood cells protects us from foreign organisms like bacterias and viruses.

What causes inflammation:

When the body detects inflammation the red blood cells releases chemicals into the blood stream of the affected tissues to protect the body from the foreign bodies. The chemicals released increase the blood flow to the area or to the tissues affected. Sometimes the chemicals released may leak into the surrounding tissue causing swelling and discomfort in the affected areas. 

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

The best ways to counteract inflammation is increasing anti-inflammatory foods in your diet and life style. The remedy for chronic inflammation may well be in your fridge. Here are my top 3 vegetables, fruits, and spices with anti- inflammatory properties:

Dark Leafy Vegetables

Excellent source of fiber, folate, carotenoids, antioxidants. Add as many different greens like spinach, kale, chard and arugula to your favorite meals and smoothies. A great tip for frozen drinks is to add frozen veggies for a super greens boost.

Berries ( Black Berries, Strawberries and Blue Berries)

They are packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins, which fight free radicals in the body. Free radicals are molecules created as a result of by products of the body from metabolic reactions. Berries are also a great source of fiber. They leave the stomach undigested and end up in the colon where it provides food for friendly bacteria.These wonder fruits are loaded with essential nutrients like; vitamin c, vitamin k and manganese.

Turmeric

On first sight you may mistake it for its relative ginger root but after your slice through it you notice its definitely different due to its vivid yellow color. This root has been used for centuries for its culinary and medicinal properties. Turmeric is known to have anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties. The next time you would like to add this spice to your meal just add a few slices to your rice or sprinkle some power in hot water to make a calming cut of tea.

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