In the last few weeks, I’ve shared with you the foods that you should avoid if you want to limit inflammation in your body. I have shared how fried foods, sugar, refined flours all contribute to inflammation in our bodies. And eliminating them will allow your body to restore.
But what about the foods you can eat? This week, I’d like to focus on foods that can help you eliminate inflammation in your body.
Berries -
Berries contain high amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. They also contain fiber, which is essential for good gut health. The antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce inflammation in the body. Look for berries such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries.
Fatty Fish -
Wild caught fish contains beneficial omega 3 fatty acids, which have a compound that helps to reduce inflammation in the body. Some of the best wild caught fish to look for that have these anti-inflammatory properties are sardines, salmon, herring, mackerel, and anchovies.
Cruciferous Vegetables -
These types of vegetables are full of antioxidants which help to lower inflammation in the body. They are also known to decrease heart disease and cancer. Cruciferous vegetables to look for are broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and brussels sprouts. If you have thyroid issues, you can steam or roast these vegetables to reduce the goitrogenic properties.
Avocados -
The avocado is considered a superfood because of all it’s beneficial properties. It has lots of fiber, healthy fat, more potassium than a banana, and can be added to sweet or salty foods to add nutrition. Avocados have also been shown in studies to be linked to reducing inflammation in the body.
Green Tea -
This tea is chock-full of antioxidants, which are known to fight disease causing cells. Green tea is also known for its brain benefits. This beneficial tea also has anti-inflammatory properties which help keep your body in tip-top shape. Be sure to purchase organic Green Tea to limit the pesticides and herbicides used in growing these amazing tea leaves.
Turmeric -
Turmeric is a well known spice that is used as an anti-inflammatory for the body. It is the cucurmin in the spice that is the active ingredient that helps reduce inflammation in the body. Be sure to use black pepper with your Tumeric to increase the bioavailability by 2000%. Otherwise, it won’t work as well. You can add ½ a teaspoon to scrambled eggs, potato salad, or even to a soup to get in your daily dose of this amazing spice.
Olive Oil -
using a good quality olive oil will add to your ability to reduce inflammation. Replacing your corn oils and vegetable oils with a good quality olive oil and avocado oil will help you reduce the inflammation in your body.
Cherries -
Tart cherries are high on the list of helping to remove inflammation from the body. If you buy tart cherry juice, be sure to purchase one without any sugar added. Sugar will promote inflammation, so you want to be sure it is 100% tart cherry juice. Eating fresh cherries while they are in season will also help to reduce inflammation in the body.
Tomatoes -
These sun-ripened beauties are high in antioxidants, vitamin c, and potassium. They contain lycopene which has been known to reduce inflammation. Cooking your tomatoes with a little bit of good quality olive oil can help your body absorb more of the lycopene. I love blending up fresh, sun ripened tomatoes to make a fresh marinara sauce. I pour the freshly blended tomatoes into a saucepan with a little bit of diced sweet onions that have been sauteed in a good olive oil. Add a bit of salt to taste and it is just delicious!
Dark Chocolate -
Yes! Dark chocolate, specifically cacao powder, is packed full of antioxidants and enzymes that are good for your body. Be sure to use a cacao powder that is at least 70% cacao. The difference between cocoa and cacao is that the cocoa has been roasted and no longer has beneficial enzymes in it. One of the ways I like to enjoy a sweet treat is to take 1 cup organic cacao powder, 1 cup organic coconut oil, 1 cup nut butter, stevia drops. Melt coconut oil in a bowl in the microwave and then mix in the nut butter and cacao powder. Add 10 or more drops of stevia to sweeten. Sweeten to your preferred taste. Pour the mixture into lined muffin tins and refrigerate or freeze to harden. I like to use cupcake paper liners.
Eating a wide variety of antioxidant rich foods can help you reduce inflammation and hopefully avoid disease. The foods listed here are just a few that are high in antioxidants and can help you reduce your risk of inflammation.