Inflammation is a common symptom of arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and certain forms of cancer. Diets that aim to reduce inflammation have reaped interest from people who have these conditions and those hoping to prevent them. Fruits and vegetables hold anti-inflammatory properties and provide the body with a variety of helpful nutrients. To improve your health and help prevent or treat conditions involving inflammation, increase fruits and vegetables in your diet. For best results, seek guidance from a qualified medical or dietary professional.
Basic Anti-Inflammatory Diet
A basic anti-inflammatory diet is based upon foods that reduce pain and swelling, including a variety of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. According to the website of natural health expert Andrew Weil, MD, a number of serious illnesses are based upon bodily inflammation, including heart disease, various forms of cancers and Alzheimer's disease. He explains that an anti-inflammatory diet is not a diet in the conventional weight-loss or temporary sense, but an eating lifestyle that reduces or prevents inflammation while supporting healthy energy levels and nutritional wellness. Fruits and vegetables are a cornerstone of an effective anti-inflammatory diet. In particular, Weil recommends regular consumption of berries, tomatoes, orange and yellow fruits, dark leafy greens, mushrooms and cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, for best results.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Blood Sugar Balance
An anti-inflammatory diet that supports blood sugar balance encourages foods that are low-glycemic, or those that have a mild or modest effect on blood sugar levels. University of Michigan professor and dermatologist, Nicholas Perricone, suggests on his website that the diet is a means of preventing age-related and degenerative diseases, improving the appearance of your skin and improving your moods, mental sharpness and energy.
Low-glycemic fruits and vegetables are a significant element of a blood sugar-balancing anti-inflammatory regimen. Berries, apples, pears, cherries, grapefruit and plums are low-glycemic fruits. Low-glycemic vegetables include artichokes, asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, onions, leafy greens and green beans. Incorporate a variety of colorful, low-glycemic fruits and vegetables into your diet on a regular, consistent basis for best potential benefits.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Arthritis
Since inflammation is the primary symptom of arthritis, a diet that aims to reduce such swelling may prove helpful for people with the condition. According to "Inflammation and Foods That Fight It," an article published in Arthritis Today, consuming more fruits and vegetables is a valuable first step in incorporating anti-inflammatory properties into your diet. Nuts, seeds, fish, tea and dark chocolate are also recommended as potentially helpful foods, due to their healthy fat content and abundant supply of various antioxidants. If you have, or are at risk for, arthritis, consume a variety of colorful, fresh fruits and vegetables routinely for best results. In addition, avoid heavily processed foods and those rich in saturated fats, trans fats or added sugars, as such foods may exacerbate inflammation.
