5 FOODS TO FIGHT INFLAMMATION

LOOK AND FEEL BETTER BY ADDING THESE NUTRITIOUS DISHES TO YOUR DIET

“Almost immediately, I realized that sugar and dairy really inflame

my body.”

— Giada De Laurentiis

GO FISH:

The fatty acid known as omega-3 has been touted as possessing many antiinflammatory properties. And, according to TV chef and cookbook author Giada De Laurentiis, “fish can be an amazing source. I find most people do like salmon and shrimp, [but] small, oily fish like sardines, anchovies and mackerel are especially good choices.”

BERRY GOOD:

“From strawberries and blackberries to cranberries and blueberries, these gemlike fruits are particularly potent in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity,” say experts at Harvard Medical School. “Berries possess plant pigment phytochemicals, such as anthocyanins and ellagic acid, which may be behind their health benefits.”

LEAF THROUGH:

Per the Arthritis Foundation: “Green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, Swiss chard and bok choy are packed with antioxidants like vitamins A, C and K, which protect cells from freeradical damage.” These free radicals are known to be contributors to inflammation.

BE NUTTY:

According to the folks from Penn Medicine: “Almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts contain high amounts of fiber, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin E and omega-3 fats, which all have anti-inflammatory effects.” Plus, nuts are also heart-healthy.

OLIVE IT UP:

“Anything that fits into a heart-healthy diet is probably also good for inflammation — and that includes healthy, plant-based fats like olive oil,” says Dr. Scott Zashin, author of Natural

Arthritis Treatment. Extra-virgin olive oil contains oleocanthal, a natural anti-inflammatory that has a similar effect as ibuprofen.