Inflammation is the body’s natural response to disease. Inflammation can be caused by irritants such as a foreign object in our body, like germs, but also by unhealthy food. Chronic inflammation leads to the development of many serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and asthma. Did you know that there are foods that help fight inflammation and heal the body?
Foods that cause inflammation
- Added sugars – Eating food containing added sugars causes inflammation in the body, high blood sugar levels, insulin resistance and diabetes.
- Trans Fats – Trans fats found in hydrogenated oils raise “bad” cholesterol and lower “good” cholesterol levels. A diet rich in trans fats increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- High consumption of Omega-6 Fatty Acids – Excessive consumption of Omega-6 Fatty Acids causes inflammation in the body and increases the symptoms of arthritis.
- Refined carbohydrates – These are simple carbohydrates that include sugars and refined grains without bran, fibre and nutrients, such as pasta, white flour, some breakfast cereals, pastries and sweet desserts. Consumption of refined carbohydrates causes spikes in blood sugar levels.
- Processed meat – Processed meat contains high levels of salt, preservatives and chemicals used during the process, which cause inflammation and, over time, trigger the development of serious diseases.
- Saturated Fat – Saturated fats cause inflammation in the body if consumed regularly.
- Gluten – People who are sensitive to gluten usually get an immune reaction when they consume foods that contain gluten. This can trigger inflammation, as well as severe autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease.
Foods that help fight inflammation
Did you know that there are foods that help fight inflammation and heal the body?
Foods including fruits, vegetables, nuts and healthy fats can promote healing, improve the immune response and reduce inflammation.
Foods that help the body recover include:
- Leafy green vegetables – Vegetables such as kale, spinach, Swiss chard and mustard greens contain nutrients that help reduce inflammation, improve immune function and wound healing.
- Berries – Berries contain nutrients and plant compounds that help the body recover.
- Nuts and seeds – Contain plant-based protein, healthy fats, minerals and vitamins that promote healing.
- Salmon – Rich in protein, B vitamins, selenium, iron, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, which support healing.
- Poultry – Contains specific amino acids that help wound healing and immune function.
- Cruciferous vegetables – Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support the immune system and help recovery.
- Eggs – Contain vitamins and minerals that support health.
Clogged arteries are a common cardiovascular disease.
Foods that help the natural unclogging of arteries
Clogged arteries are a common cardiovascular disease that results from a sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, obesity, poor diet, smoking, diabetes or family history.
Foods that naturally help unclog the arteries include:
- Tomatoes – Contain lycopene that reduces inflammation, improves good cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Onions – Onions protect arteries by preventing inflammation of blood vessels.
- Leafy greens – A good source of nitrates, which reduce inflammation and improve the functioning of blood vessels. Also rich in potassium, that may prevent vascular calcification.
- Beans – Rich in fibre, which can balance cholesterol levels and may lower blood pressure.
- Berries – Studies show that berries can reduce inflammation and support heart health.
- Citrus fruits – Rich in vitamins, minerals and flavonoids, that reduce inflammation and protect against free radicals.
- Cruciferous vegetables – Reduce calcification of arteries.
- Fish – Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that prevent cells from sticking to artery walls.
Foods that prevent artery clogging include: avocados, oats, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, pepper, chilli, dark chocolate, olive oil, nuts and seeds.
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➥ DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to replace medical treatment. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.