Plant-based Foods To Help Reduce Chronic Inflammation

Health & Well-beingApril 22, 2022

Have you ever struggled with inflammation where no matter whatever you do, you just can’t rid yourself of its awful effects? Well, you are not alone. Inflammation is a normal bodily function that comes up as an immune response. Once your immune system detects something foreign, it will kick start into action by triggering inflammation which attacks the chemical, germ, allergen, or other foreign substance that has entered your body.

What is Inflammation?

However, if you are constantly dealing with inflammation that means that your immune system is in overdrive even if there is no foreign substance to eliminate. This condition is termed chronic inflammation.

Chronic inflammation can be caused by multiple factors such as infections that your body is dealing with but can’t quite get rid of, a new medication, a diet that consists of refined carbs and sugar, or stress. Still, these are only a few factors that could lead to your body exhibiting such a response. If you’ve been dealing with chronic inflammation, then getting this issue sorted should be your number one priority. Chronic inflammation can damage your joints, hearts, and even your brain.

Pexels | These symptoms usually increase the chances of you developing diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and heart diseases

There is some good news though! With a few changes to your diet, you can lower the inflammation without having to take any medicine.

Check out these plant-based foods that will fight inflammation.

1. Tomatoes

Just like sweet cherries, tomatoes also come packed with loads of antioxidants, especially lycopene which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Lycopene is also beneficial for reducing the risk of prostate cancer in men and can strongly prevent the growth or further spread of breast cancer cells.

Pexels | The best part is that you can easily incorporate tomatoes into your meals or salads

2. Sweet Cherries

Delicious, sweet, and anti-inflammatory – what else could one want? Sweet cherries like Bing, Lapin, and Sweetheart are full of antioxidants that fight the oxidative stress in your body. This oxidative stress can cause a great amount of irreversible damage if left untreated so next time you see sweet cherries, think of their benefits and try not to miss out.

3. Olive Oil

This is the ingredient you may often use in your vinaigrette or salad but now, you should start using it more consistently because olive oil consists of a phenolic compound named oleocanthal which has anti-inflammatory benefits. These benefits are so strong that they can be compared to that of ibuprofen. Olive oil is also great for people who are dealing with high cholesterol.