5 Foods That Reduce Inflammation: Feel Better by Adding These Healthy Staples to Your Diet

Closer shares five foods that will help you reduce inflammation and lead a healthy life!

Be Nutty: “Nuts are an excellent choice for controlling inflammation,” say experts at the University of North Carolina. “They are high in antioxidants and omega-3s. Omega-3 fatty acids are powerful antioxidants that inhibit an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which produces the hormones that spark inflammation.” Walnuts have the most omega-3s.

Go Fish: According to the folks at New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery, “fatty fish like salmon, herring and anchovies are rich in [anti-inflammatory] omega-3 fatty acids. And most high-omega-3 fishes are also high in vitamin D, which has also been found to play an important role in regulating the production of certain molecules that promote inflammation.”

Green State: “Cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli and cabbage) and dark leafy greens (à la spinach and kale) contain high concentrations of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants associated with lowering inflammation,” according to Oregon State University. “[And] chewing raw greens, such as when eating a salad, helps the body produce nitric oxide. This compound widens arteries for improved blood circulation.”

Bean There: Per the Arthritis Foundation: “Beans (such as red kidney and pinto) are loaded with fiber and phytonutrients, which help lower CRP, an indicator of inflammation found in blood.” In fact, in one study, “scientists analyzed the nutrient content of 10 common bean variet- ies and identified a host of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.”

Berry Good: As doctors at George Washington University Hospital point out: “Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and other types of berries are packed with fiber, antioxidants and potent phytochemicals such as anthocyanins that help reduce inflammation.”