The right types of anti-inflammatory foods can go a long way in improving a person's health. Experiencing inflammation in the body regularly is very annoying for many people. In addition to inflammation in the body, one can also experience inflammation of the skin – such as in the face.
To combat inflammation, there are many medicines available that can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription. These drugs can be effective but often lead to unpleasant side effects. Fortunately, there are healthy types of anti-inflammatory foods you can add to your diet to reduce inflammation. You can read more about this in this article.
What is Anti-Inflammatory Food?
First of all, let's describe what anti-inflammatory food is. These foods can be linked to nutrients that naturally reduce inflammation.These anti-inflammatory nutrients are therefore not only found in medication but also in natural foods. Many people choose these types of food because they have no or virtually no side effects. This is in contrast to medicines that the doctor prescribes.
The beneficial effect of food against inflammation can reduce or remedy complaints. These types of food are usually readily available; you can find them at the grocery store or the local drugstore. In short, anti-inflammatory foods are a collective term for foods that fight inflammation in the body and skin.
What types of anti-inflammatory foods are there?
Now that we know what anti-inflammatory foods are, we can zoom in on the different types out there. In doing so, we make a distinction between three types of anti-inflammatory foods.
First of all, we describe how anti-inflammatory tea can counteract such complaints. Next, we will discuss the power of anti-inflammatory herbs. Finally, you can read briefly about other foods against inflammation. That way you can supplement your diet with the relevant foods.
1. Anti-Inflammatory Tea
When we look at tea against inflammation, green tea takes the cake. Green tea naturally contains a substance called “epigallocatechin gallate” (EGCG).
The substance EGCG can be linked to the so-called “catechins”. These are powerful antioxidants that have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Ginger tea is another anti-inflammatory tea. Ginger is very high in natural antioxidants. Many of the antioxidants in ginger tea cause the inflammation-promoting compounds “cytokines” to decrease. This ensures that ginger tea can be classified as an effective anti-inflammatory food.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Herbs and Spices
There are also plenty of anti-inflammatory herbs and spices that can provide relief from your complaints. We would like to explain some of these herbs and spices that you can easily obtain in the store.
You have probably heard about the spice turmeric. The beauty of turmeric is that it has an anti-inflammatory effect. Ideal if you want to prevent inflammation! But what exactly makes turmeric an anti-inflammatory? Well, that's because of the active ingredient called “curcumin,” which can help reduce inflammation.
When it comes to effective anti-inflammatory herbs, Boswellia stands out. It has been found that Boswellia against (chronic) inflammation is praised by many people, including scientists. According to research, Boswellia inhibits the inflammation-promoting enzyme “leukotrienes”. This can reduce inflammation symptoms.
3. Other anti-inflammatory foods
In addition to the anti-inflammatory foods described above, there are other types of anti-inflammatory foods. Think, for example, of fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and herring. These fatty fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids. These omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to the prevention of inflammation.
Berries also belong to the group of anti-inflammatory foods. This is because they contain many powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation in the body and skin. In addition, berries, such as bilberries, are packed with beneficial vitamins. By eating a handful of bilberries, you get a lot of antioxidants against inflammation and vitamin C. A real win-win situation!
Anti-Inflammatory Supplements
If you have supplemented your diet with anti-inflammatory foods, you will most likely quickly notice the positive effects of their anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, many people opt for anti-inflammatory supplements.Logically, these anti-inflammatory supplements do not replace a healthy and varied diet. However, they can ensure that you get certain nutrients in an increased amount. Think, for example, of turmeric supplements, supplements with many antioxidants, and good omega 3 food supplements.
For example, if you find it difficult to eat enough oily fish, an omega 3 supplement can still ensure that you can benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of these fatty acids. If you are considering taking a particular anti-inflammatory supplement, it is advisable to do so in consultation with a nutritionist.