Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Secret to Good Health?

There is always a new diet on the block, but anti-inflammatory foods have been around forever. Adding foods that help to prevent inflammation to your diet can have a host of health benefits, so now could be the right time to rethink your shopping list…

Image Credit @ Camilla Akrans for Harpers Bazaar US

I tend to avoid the word ‘diet’, because when it comes to food, I think that sticking to seasonal healthy foods is the best option for your on-going health, rather than fad diets and weight-loss programmes. But the anti-inflammatory diet has been getting a lot of press recently, particularly in relation to banishing depression, fatigue and improving other chronic conditions. If you have a condition that causes inflammation, such as arthritis, the anti-inflammatory diet won’t be a magic cure, but it could improve things. Meanwhile, the diet can also help to improve skin condition and reduce flare-ups of breakouts, puffiness and dry skin.

Intrigued? The first thing you need to do is cut out highly inflammatory foods from your diet, so any highly processed, greasy or super-sugary foods should go. And secondly, ensure your diet is packed with anti-inflammatory ‘super-foods’. These are ones you should be aiming to include in your diet already, so it shouldn’t be too tricky! Here are some of the best:

Image Credit @ Camilla Akrans for Harpers Bazaar US

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Berries

Berries such as blueberries, strawberries and blackberries contain antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce your risk of disease. They’re also great for your skin, so try to eat some every day. Why not try my healthy pancakes recipe for breakfast?

Pepper

As well as being a fantastic source of vitamin C, bell peppers and chilli peppers also have strong anti-inflammatory effects, making them a great addition to this diet.

Broccoli

As if you needed me to tell you that broccoli was good for you, it’s a key player in the anti-inflammatory diet. One of the best sources of a highly potent antioxidant, it is great for battling free radical damage, so it’s a friend to the skin, too.

Image Credit @ Camilla Akrans for Harpers Bazaar US

Fatty Fish

Fatty fish is another great multi-tasker, because not only is it great for skin, making it a brilliant beauty food, it has high levels of omega-3, which has anti-inflammatory effects. Aim for two portions of fatty fish in your diet each week. Why not try my fish pie recipe?

Avocado

Packed with potassium, magnesium, fibre and healthy fats, avocados not only taste great on toast, they’re an absolute super-food. They can also reduce inflammation and have also been linked to reducing cancer risk. Try this salmon and avocado breakfast wraps recipe.

You don’t have to have a health reason to try the anti-inflammatory plan – all of these foods are great additions to your diet!

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