There’s no doubt about: The food we eat impacts our bodies. From an upset stomach to brain fog, there are a number of physical and mental symptoms that can be traced back to the food we consume. This is where anti-inflammatory foods come into play—these good-for-you ingredients tamp down the amount of inflammation in the body, helping you feel your best. Here, we’re sharing recipes that are full of those foods.
Before we get into anti-inflammatory recipes, though, it’s important to understand what inflammation is. Simply put, inflammation occurs when the body fights infections or recognizes anything foreign. The body is oftentimes tricked into becoming inflamed when we eat certain foods, don’t get enough sleep, or have lost balance in our lives, and this can manifest itself visually or be hidden away, which means it can sometimes be tough to pinpoint. But knowing that you’re suffering fromchronic inflammation is so important, especially because there has been link between inflammation and cancer and other debilitating diseases; it’s extra important that everyone make a concerted effort to eating food that fight the inflammation.
What are anti-inflammatory foods? There are quite a few, but one of the most widely associated ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties is turmeric. The spice can be enjoyed in a number of ways, including in our delicious Turmeric and Lemon Tea, pictured here. Turmeric has long been used in traditional Indian and Asian medical practices to treat inflammation because the spice contains curcumin, which aids in digestion.
Another anti-inflammatory ingredient that finds its way into a number of our favorite recipes is garlic. If the strong-smelling allium isn’t for you, not to worry: You can fight bloat and fatigue with other common items you can find in your pantry, like walnuts and olive oil. And they’re the main ingredients in the dishes we’re showing you how to prepare; add them to your weekly routine to make your life, and health, even easier.
With the help of our book Clean Slate ($26, amazon.com) and the recipes we’ve rounded up here, explore some of the best anti-inflammatory foods to add to your weekly menu, and reap the benefits of less bloat, pain, and fatigue.
2 of 9 Roasted Garlic Guacamole
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Garlic, a relative of the onion, is known for its lingering smell and its potent detox capability. This magical allium is believed to keep toxins, colds, and other harmful problems at bay.
3 of 9 Radishes with Olive Oil
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Olive oil is commonly called the healthiest fat on earth—it’s great for you both inside and out. Your hair will shine, skin will feel hydrated, and the myriad of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory polyphenols will keep you well.
4 of 9 Sautéed Swiss Chard
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Kale, spinach, arugula, Swiss chard—basically any dark leafy green can help keep your body working more efficiently. The darker the green usually means the more chlorophyll, which helps the body detoxify.
5 of 9 Rosemary Walnuts
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There are omega-3 fatty acids with heart-healthy benefits packed into every nut, making this delicious recipe a real anti-inflammatory powerhouse.
6 of 9 Wild Salmon and Romanesco Pilaf
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Fatty fish like tuna and salmon promote the dispersal of inflammation in our bodies by balancing out the toxins in our diets. A bonus result: You feel less bloated!
7 of 9 Shaved Beets with Orange
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Known for their bright, happy color and vitamin-C filled juice, oranges (in addition to other citrus) help promote the formation of enzymes in the liver that flush out toxins.
8 of 9 Mixed Tomatoes with Balsamic and Dill Bruschetta
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We love the refreshing juicy quality of a ripe tomato. Not only does this fruit taste great, it’s also an amazing source of inflammation-fighting vitamin C.
9 of 9 Black Bean Cakes
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These little power players are packed full of iron and magnesium, both of which help your blood flow through your body and reduce inflammation.
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