Here is the list of the best anti-inflammatory foods that are easily available in the market and easy to incorporate into one's daily diet.
1. Berries
Berries are a type of tiny fruit that is rich in fibre, nutrients, and vitamins. There are numerous kinds. These contain anthocyanins, a kind of antioxidant that have anti-inflammatory effects.
The most popular ones are strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Berries can help in protecting against cancer, helps lower cholesterol levels, and can also be beneficial for the skin.
2. Fatty Fish
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in abundance in fish like sardines, salmon, and tuna and are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can cause metabolic syndrome, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease, but EPA and DHA work to minimise it.
The body converts these fatty acids into resolvins and protectins, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Fish is beneficial for reducing blood clotting, and it can also decrease the risk of heart failure and strokes.
3. Colourful Fruits
Fruit with vibrant hues usually has high antioxidant and fibre content. One should look for vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows like those found in apples, papaya and pineapple. One should also look for deep blues and purples like those found in blackberries, plums, or grapes.
Eating a diet consisting of colourful and vibrant fruits can reduce the chances of a person developing heart diseases, inflammation, diabetes and even cancer.
4. Ginger and Turmeric
Ginger and turmeric are one of the best anti-inflammatory foods, and they also give food colour and flavour. One can take a supplement containing curcumin if he/she dislikes the flavour of turmeric.
The chemical component known as curcumin is what gives turmeric its anti-inflammatory benefits. Ginger and turmeric are beneficial for reducing any kind of pain, can reduce nausea and morning sickness, and boosts immunity.
5. Nuts
Different nuts, including walnuts and almonds, may help lower inflammation and heart disease. Most nuts are rich in fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, and "good" fats (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats).
However, one must keep in mind that even though plain nuts, which are typically labelled raw, are good, nuts having added oil are not very healthy. Nuts are beneficial in protecting against Alzheimer's and dementia and can also reduce rheumatoid arthritis.
6. Chia Seeds and Flaxseeds
Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation, are found in abundance in both chia and flax seeds. One can add a tablespoon of it to oatmeal, cereal, baked goods, yoghurt or smoothies. Adding chia and flax seeds to one’s diet can result in improved digestion. It is also beneficial for reducing the risk of heart diseases and stabilising blood sugar.
7. Green Tea
Green tea and its main ingredient, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in cellular, animal, and human studies. Besides, green tea is beneficial against various diseases such as obesity, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular diseases.
8. Beans
Lentils, Black beans, and other legumes are dense in fibre and filled with anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Moreover, they are a good source of protein and do not need to consume red meat. This way, one can fulfil his/her protein requirements and also avoid red meat, which otherwise causes an increase in inflammation.
Beans might be beneficial for being a rich source of folates as well and helps in preventing fatty liver.
9. Avocados
Avocados are one of the best foods that reduce inflammation. These also contain antioxidants and beneficial monounsaturated fats, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body. In fact, avocados' potent anti-inflammatory qualities may even balance out less nutritious eating options. Avocados are beneficial for reducing cholesterol and improving heart health. It might also help improve skin and enhance the healing of wounds.
10. Mushrooms
Phenolic and indolic chemicals, polysaccharides, carotenoids, fatty acids, vitamins, and biometals are only a few anti-inflammatory substances abundant in mushrooms.
Metabolites from mushrooms of the Basidiomycota contain anti-cancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Mushrooms also reduce the risk of developing diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's and diabetes.
11. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
One of the healthiest fats that one can consume is extra virgin olive oil. It is a staple of the Mediterranean diet, which has several health advantages and is high in monounsaturated fats.
Olive oil antioxidant oleocanthal has been likened to the effects of ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications. Extra virgin olive oil can be beneficial for lowering blood pressure and managing blood clotting.