5 anti-inflammatory foods

1. Kale

“Kale has been chosen as the most nutrient dense food on the planet,” says Daniluk. It’s really a vitamin mineral tablet disguised as a veggie. One serving contains 121 milligrams of omega 3 fatty acids and 92.4 milligrams of omega 6, making it a green leafy superstar of healing potential.

2. Shitake Mushrooms.

Shitakes contain a compound which helps to increase your immune response and fight infection. They are also antimicrobial and have been used in cancer treatments. The shitake is much stronger than conventional mushrooms. “The polysaccharides found in shiitake mushrooms can actually reduce the immune-compromising effects that are experienced with chemotherapy and radiation,” says Daniluk.

3. Sesame and Hemp Seeds

“These two seeds contain plant sterols that help to modulate the immune system and bring down an overreaction,” says Daniluk.  Sometimes we’re dealing with the immune system attacking our own tissue like in Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus. That’s an over-response to the immune system and we need an “immune balancer” to bring things back to normal. Seeds are exceptionally rich in vitamins B1, B3, and E, as well as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, and zinc for excellent immune balance.

4. Squash

Squash contains carotenoids, which are the antioxidants that work like a rust proofer on our body. They absorb free radicals, the missing atom molecules that occur as a result of normal oxidation in the body that injure cells, damage DNA, and create the seed for disease. Beta carotene is great for inflammatory conditions of the skin and lungs.

5. Blueberries

Berries contain polyphenols as do grapes, red wine and purple cabbage. Typically the darker the fruit or vegetable, the higher the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory superstar it will be. “A fascinating study on strawberries showed when you give a strawberry blended beverage with a classic Western style breakfast (which normally increases inflammation immediately) it negated all of the bad effects of the breakfast,” says Palmer. “Which means that when you include anti-inflammatory foods at each meal you can help protect your body one meal at a time.”

“In general, it’s not about eating one or two particular foods, but your diet pattern overall should be packed with all of the good stuff,” says Palmer. Want to add more anti-inflammatory foods to your diet? Try tomatoes, walnuts, cold water fish, dark chocolate, flax and chia seeds as well as green tea.