The Top 10 Foods with Anti-Inflammatory Properties

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And while that means a celebratory season of fun with family and friends, it also means that festive food and booze are in full flow.

And while there is no problem with enjoying a little bit of excess over the Christmas period, it can often become an issue when January arrives and you are left feeling overweight and under-motivated.

So, what can you do to keep yourself fit while festivities are so frequent?

Here are some top tips to keep you in shape and ensure that you head into the New Year in good physical condition.

1. Blueberries
   
   The gold standard of anti-inflammatory foods, Blueberries offer a cornucopia of health benefits, many of which are tied to reducing inflammation.
   
   Like many other berries, blueberries contain anti-oxidants know as anthocyanins. The handy little compounds have anti-inflammatory properties.
   
   Additionally, studies have confirmed that those who eat more blueberries increase the abundance of NK cells in the body. NK, or natural killer cells, helps keep your immune system functioning correctly.
   
2. Fish (The Fatty Kind)
   
   Fish with a high fat content, such as salmon, mackerel and anchovies have a number of omega-3 fatty acids in their make-up, most notably EPA and DHA.
   
   These fatty acids are metabolized into compounds called resolvins and protectins once ingested. These compounds have significant anti-inflammatory properties.
   
3. Avocados
   
   One of the most divisive foods in the world is also one of the most beneficial. If you find avocado delicious then you can make use of its fantastic, anti-inflammatory properties, which includes its ability to reduce inflammation in young skin cells.
   
4. Green Tea
   
   Packed with unrivalled goodness, Green Tea should be considered an essential addition to anyone’s diet/health plan.
   
   This popular beverage contains a substance known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG for short. This has significant anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
   
5. Turmeric
   
   Used frequently in Indian cuisine, Turmeric is a spice with a strong flavour that contains a very special nutrient called Curcumin.
   
   This is one of the most naturally powerful anti-inflammatory compounds in the world. However, consuming turmeric alone is unlikely to make a significant enough impact on your body. Instead, turmeric and/or curcumin supplements provide a larger, more effective dose.
   
6. Dark Chocolate
   
   Looking for a genuine excuse to consume plenty of chocolate?!
   
   Dark chocolate with a 70%+ cocoa quantity contains flavanols, which keep the cells that line your arteries healthy and subsequently, reduces inflammation in the body.
   
7. Broccoli
   
   The enemy of many children but a hugely healthy food to include as part of your weekly meal plans, broccoli contains a number of antioxidants that fight inflammation by reducing cytokines in your body.
   
8. Peppers
   
   If you like your food spicy but want to ensure your health is not being compromised, look no further than chili peppers. They are loaded with vitamin C, which contains significant anti-inflammatory properties.
   
9. Mushrooms
   
   This versatile vegetable is not only very low in calories but is also packed with antioxidants and phenols that provide anti-inflammatory protection for your body.
   
10. Grapes
    
    An ideal sweet treat, grapes contain two very beneficial compounds; anthocyanins and resveratrol. Both of these compounds significantly reduce inflammation in all areas of the body.