Anti-Inflammatories Are the Secret Ingredients To Longevity

We hear about inflammation a lot, but what does it really mean? Put very simply, inflammation is our body’s immune system response when something is wrong, whether it’s infection, stress, or injury. Unfortunately, more studies are showing that inflammation plays a significant role in most of the diseases plaguing our society, including arthritis, heart disease, irritable bowel disorders, Alzheimer’s, Type 2 diabetes and even cancer.

So what can we do to fight it? The good news is that there are many foods that calm inflammation in a variety of ways. They’re anti-inflammatories and they keep our arteries young and less likely to clog, our skin from turning red or scaly, and our nasal passages from getting blocked.

There are plenty of pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories like aspirin, acetaminophen, and steroids (for example, hydrocortisone cream) that are designed to keep down swelling and reduce redness (also known as inflammation) that can occur in our bodies both externally and internally. Inflamed skin can be seen when we get a cut or a rash. In this situation the inflammation is our body’s natural way of helping to heal the wound by flooding the area with white blood cells and protein. The tell-tale redness and swelling signifies that an immune response is in full throttle.

Inside the body, inflammation is an effect of many conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, hay fever (a histamine response causes inflammation of the nasal passages), and atherosclerosis (also known as the hardening of arteries). Inflammation inside the body can be very damaging if it continues over many months or years. According to Dr. Oz, “Inflammation, a process meant to heal, can often become a danger; chronic inflammation causes heart attacks, stroke – and even cancer.”

Of course, I look to food to help fight inflammation before reaching for the medicine cabinet. I’m not the only one to do so. Noted Indian Ph.D., Bharat B. Aggarwal, wrote in his book Healing Spices about ways his native foods help heal the body: “Oxidation and inflammation are the evil twins that cause many chronic diseases including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, cancer and arthritis.”

Turmeric is a top anti-inflammatory, and I like to incorporate into my recipes whenever possible.  Other spices that help fight inflammation include garlic, ginger, cardamom, chili pepper, cilantro, parsley, mustard, cinnamon, and mint.

Many other foods have anti-inflammatory properties. Fish, soybeans, and whole grains can help reduce swelling because they are laden with omega-3 fatty acids, which naturally reduce swelling and irritation inside our arteries. See the “Resveratrol Suppresses Inflammation” report on my website for details about how resveratrol, a Foodtrient found in red wine, cranberries, and grapes, reduces inflammation in the body, too.

Unfortunately, the standard American diet of processed foods, too much sugar and lots of meat are part of the problem. Luckily our diets are one of the easiest things to fix. In my latest cookbook, The Age Beautifully Cookbook, I have many recipes that incorporate anti-inflammatory spices and foods.

Here are some other good anti-inflammatory foods that are easy to add to your daily diet and a couple of recipes to try:

APPLES

• Great for your heart
• Help decrease cholesterol
• High in fiber and are terrific age fighters
• They contain quercetin, which studies link with anti-cancer effects

BEANS AND LENTILS

• Packed with fiber and protein
• Lower inflammation
• Reduce risk of heart disease and diabetes.
• Beans and lentils are also full of antioxidants.

BEETS

• Great source of potassium and magnesium
• They can be eaten raw or cooked but are delicious when juiced.
• I have a great recipe for DETOX JUICE with beets here.

BERRIES

• Whether you choose strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries or some of the more exotic varieties like acai, ALL brightly colored berries are powerful anti-inflammatory powerhouses.
• Rich in fiber and they also contain antioxidants.
• Eating them raw gives you the most benefit.

BROCCOLI

• Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts and cabbage support detoxification and calm inflammation.
• They also help the liver’s ability to get rid of toxins.

CHIA SEEDS

• Rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids to support inflammation, healthy digestion and elimination.
• A perfect food to include in a pudding for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.

FLAX SEEDS

• Unlike chia seeds, the body cannot digest the hard outer coating of flax seeds
• Grind them and sprinkle on cereal, mix into muffins or even in a smoothie.
• They are a great boost of fiber (2 grams per tablespoon!)
• Loaded with plant-based omega-3 fatty acids
• Tip: these are HIGH in fiber so introduce to the diet slowly and with increased fluid intake to avoid gastrointestinal distress.

FISH

• Cold-water fatty fish like salmon, halibut and trout are rich in protein, vitamins and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats.
• A 3-ounce serving offers a rich protein source as well as over 1500 mg of omega 3 fatty acids.

GREEN TEA

• Green tea has anti-inflammatory super powers.
• Helps reduce risk of heart disease
• I recommend two to three cups of green tea per day to feel its benefits.

LEAFY GREENS/SPINACH

• Spinach and dark leafy greens are full of iron and calcium
• They also have antioxidants like vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene
• They help reduce risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular disease

PINEAPPLE

• Pineapples contain bromelain, a digestive enzyme that helps regulate immune response
• Bromelain can reduce inflammatory activity
• Raw pineapple is best

TOMATOES

• Tomatoes are full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
• The lycopene in tomatoes has been shown to protect against certain cancers and support heart health as well.

 WALNUTS

• Walnuts are higher in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids than other nuts
• They also contain antioxidants like vitamin E and lots of protein and fiber
• They are healthy, but rich in calories and fat, so a little goes a long way

I have two quick, easy and tasty, anti-inflammatory recipes for you –my Berry Salad with Lemon Chia Dressing, which is loaded with anti-inflammatory foods, and my Chia Frescas, a popular drink from Mexico.

BERRY SALAD with LEMON CHIA DRESSING

SALAD

2 cups (packed) baby spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup strawberries, sliced
1 cup blueberries
1 cucumber, diced (about 1 cup)
½ cup sunflower kernels
¼ cup (loose) fresh basil, chopped

We are just going to combine the salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl like this.
And then we will make the dressing.

DRESSING

2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
1 lemon, zest and juice
2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
1 Tbs. chia seeds
1 tsp. honey (or maple syrup if vegan)
1 Tbs. water
Salt and pepper to taste

Whisk together all of the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl, and once the dressing is ready, toss it with the salad immediately before serving.
You can serve this salad as a starter, side dish, or light summer meal. It’s also great for parties!

CHIA FRESCAS

Serves 2

I particularly love this drink on warm days because it’s so refreshing and the chia seeds add extra texture, but it’s delicious any day of the year when you need an energy boost.

2 Tbs. white chia seeds (which have been soaked in water for 1 hour)
1/2 cup water
3 sliced strawberries
2 Tbs. lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
2 Tbs. agave nectar or honey (optional)
1 cup cold water
1 cup chilled peach tea
1/4 cup crushed ice

1. So the first thing you need to do is to soak the chia seeds in water for 1 hour.
2. To make the strawberry lemonade, we are going to combine the strawberries, lemon juice, and agave nectar or honey. Mash with a wooden spoon until the fruit is well crushed.
3. Add the cold water and stir well.
4. Combine the peach tea and the strawberry lemonade in a pitcher. Add the chia seeds.
5. Top with crushed ice.