Chronic inflammation has been associated with an increased
risk of arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis,
and cancer. Sure, some inflammation is good—the acute kind is a form of
self-protection, your body's immune response to a cut or pathogens entering the
body.
Chronic inflammation, however, means that your body is constantly
producing immune cells, which can damage the body. This harmful inflammation is
a result of never-ending stress, being overweight, or a diet high in things
like sugar, trans fats, and various toxins. But while the wrong diet
promotes excessive inflammation, a diet rich in clean foods can help reduce it
and its harmful effects on your body. The following foods in particular are
anti-inflammatory powerhouses.
Cold-Water Fish
Salmon, black cod, sardines,
and anchovies are full of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon is
a particularly good choice—its rosy pink color comes from carotenoids, which
also have anti-inflammatory properties.
