Studies have shown that the underlying cause to several of the leading “killers” in North America such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Type 2 diabetes may all begin with the inflammatory process.
While inflammation is a necessary reaction for the body to have to fight off infection or to help repair muscular or tissue damage, the problem occurs when inflammation becomes chronic. Unfortunately, the typical North American lifestyle which includes stress, poor air quality, processed and super-sized foods are all contributors to inflammation.Before reviewing powerful anti-inflammatory foods, let’s discuss which foods trigger inflammation.
Foods with inflammatory properties include:
• Red meats – hot dogs, hamburgers, steak, cold cuts, ribs and pork
• Full-fat cheeses - ice cream, cheese, full-fat cream cheese
• Trans-fatty acids – otherwise known as partially hydrogenated fats. These chemical fats are man-made and are very difficult for the body to eliminate. They raise cholesterol, can cause heart disease and may even be indicated in cancer. Luckily, as of January 2006, the presence of trans-fatty acids must appear on all food labels.
• White sugar and flour products – bagels, cookies, cakes, white bread, soda
• Deep fried food –French fries, doughnuts, chicken wings
The following foods and supplements contain natural anti-inflammatory properties and should be included in the diet three to four times per week
Cold-water fish – Cold-water fish offer a rich source of omega-3 essential fatty acids in the form of DHA and EPA. This type of fat contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties that have been shown to be beneficial for heart disease, arteriosclerosis, depression, attention deficit disorder and allergies. Wild Atlantic salmon, herring, sardines and light tuna are all great options to include in the diet for their high omega-3 value.
