ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Anti-Inflammatories reduce the inflammatory process in cells, tissues, and blood vessels, helping to slow aging and reduce the risk of long-term disease.
Recipes that include anti-inflammatory foods are below.
To learn more about anti-inflammatory compounds, click the icon.
February 23, 2022
The chlorophyll in fresh parsley gives this herb its antioxidant power, while vitamin C makes it a good anti-inflammatory. Parsley also contains folic acid, which is great for protecting your heart. I use a half cup of fresh parsley in these delicious meatballs, then sprinkle more on top when plating. I’ve included a quick gravy recipe that goes well with these meatballs or over mashed potatoes. SERVES 2-4 Ingredients 1 lb. ground turkey 1/4 cup chopped onion 2 medium eggs Sea salt and ground pepper to taste 1/2 cup chopped parsley 2 Tbs. seasoned breadcrumbs 1/4 cup olive oil 1 […]
February 12, 2022
Savory, soothing tomato soup gets a protein kick by adding tempeh, a fermented soy product with a firm and meaty texture. Some people do not care for the squishy texture of regular tofu, preferring tempeh instead. A product that crumbles directly into this soup and cooks along with it, tempeh adds the unexpected benefit of probiotics for gut health and protein. Cooked tomatoes offer a heart-healthy punch of the antioxidant lycopene. With plenty of flavorful herbs and spices, consider this tomato soup when you need a simple, healthy dish. SERVES 6 Ingredients 2 Tbs. olive oil 1 large yellow onion, […]
January 28, 2022
Shrimp and coconut milk are a classic Asian combination; they are also anti-inflammatory. I’ve added moringa powder to this very mild dish in order to increase the antioxidant power of this dish. If you want to dial up the heat a notch or two, use serrano or other hot peppers in place of the mild red Anaheim chilies. If desired, serve over brown or jasmine rice. SERVES 2-4 Ingredients 1⁄4 cup peanut oil 1 tsp. minced garlic 1 inch peeled and thinly sliced gingerroot 1⁄2 cup sliced red onion 2 red Anaheim chilies, seeded and cut into strips 1 can […]
October 3, 2021
Nothing spices up a meal like a candied nut treat perfect for complimenting a salad or side-dish. Candied nuts are often made of melted white sugar but there are other more natural options. Maple syrup adds a complex flavor. Purchase 100% pure, organic maple syrup when you can. The grades of maple syrup indicate the richness of color, but not the quality. A pinch of salt and spicy cayenne pepper offer an unexpected pop of flavor. Enjoy the healthy omega-3 fats in crunchy walnuts for anti-inflammatory benefits. YIELDS 2 Cups Ingredients 2 cups raw walnut halves 1/3 cup pure maple […]
August 11, 2020
The idea for this guacamole recipe came from a very talented Mexican chef who owns an upscale restaurant in Santa Barbara. The pomegranate seeds add a spectacular, tart crunch to this otherwise mild dip. I serve this dip with blue corn chips, which add a splash of color and are higher in antioxidants than yellow chips. BENEFITS: Avocados are full of monounsaturated fats, which help protect the skin from the aging effects of the sun. The anthocyanins in pomegranates have anti-inflammatory effects and have been linked to helping reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline and cancer. Blue corn chips provide […]
June 23, 2020
A simple massaged kale salad gets an anti-inflammatory boost from antioxidant-rich strawberries and essential fatty acids from hemp seeds. This is an easy make-ahead salad that can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days, eaten as a side dish or on its own topped with a lean protein. Chef Notes: -If using baby kale, you do not need to massage the leaves as they are already tender. -Extra vinaigrette will store in the fridge for 5 days in an airtight container. SERVES 2-4 Ingredients For the salad: 1 bunch of curly green kale, de-stemmed and roughly chopped into pieces […]
April 26, 2020
Fresh turmeric root fights inflammation and contains antioxidants. The best way to enjoy fresh turmeric is to juice it. Once juiced and strained, it can be stored in a tightly closed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Once juiced and strained, it can be used in Grace’s Turmeric Rice, Turkey in Turmeric Sauce and Turmeric Orange Juice. YIELD ½ cup (4 oz.) Ingredients ¼ lb. turmeric root, peeled ½ cup water Procedure 1.Slice the turmeric root until it measures about 1 cup. 2. Place the turmeric slices in a food processor or blender. Add a bit of the water […]
April 26, 2020
Getting bored with regular green salads? Toss things up with a fresh spring salad packed with flavor and protein to keep you full and energized. Tofu is a versatile and easy-to-make protein source that adds texture to this flavorful salad. A light lemon-herbed dressing perfectly suits a combination of favorite garden veggies. Given the hearty nature of this salad, it travels well and makes great leftovers. Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits, be sure to include this simple, tasty salad as a side dish at your next dinner or picnic. Because of the marinating, cooking and cooling time in this […]
March 26, 2020
Radishes belong to the same family of vegetables as kale and cabbage and offer some of the same disease-preventing benefits. I use the same simple oil-and-vinegar dressing here as on my Bitter Melon Salad, so both salads can be served together at a picnic or on a buffet. SERVES 2-4 Ingredients 2 daikon radishes or 1 bunch red radishes, stems removed 1 cup seasoned rice vinegar 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil 1 tsp. minced garlic 1 tsp. sea salt 1/4 tsp. white pepper 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs 6-8 sliced grape tomatoes Procedure 1. Slice the radishes very thinly using a […]
April 2, 2019
This is another of my cross-cultural wonders. It’s like a veal scaloppini, but substituting fish for meat and marinating it in turmeric juice makes this dish much more healthful. The Omega-3s in the fish are great for skin hydration and elasticity, and turmeric is known the world over for its amazing anti-inflammatory benefits. Tilapia fillets work best because they’re so thin and cook quickly, but you can use other thin whitefish fillets if you prefer. Serve these fillets over my Whole-Wheat Garlic Noodles. Serves 4 Ingredients 1/3 cup Fresh Turmeric Juice 2 Tbs. mirin (seasoned rice wine) Sea salt and […]
January 14, 2019
Plain veggies can be boring but doctoring them up with savory miso and spices can make anyone a lover—even of broccoli, cauliflower, or kale. Japanese miso is a fermented soybean paste you can buy in the refrigerated section of natural food stores. Miso tastes salty and savory; some people describe it as earthy. White miso paste, which is preferred in Kyoto, Japan, has a more delicate flavor than brown or red miso paste. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts contain slightly bitter compounds that may help kill cancer cells. Miso provides probiotic bacteria for a healthy gut. […]
October 27, 2016
A delicious tea that’s especially festive for the holiday season is my recipe for Gingerroot Black Tea from The Age Gracefully Cookbook. The fresh ginger in the tea provides protection from inflammation thereby easing arthritis and allergy symptoms. Black tea has many healthful properties including flavonoids, which help strengthen blood vessel walls and improve concentration. Ingredients ¼ inch gingerroot, peeled and sliced thinly 2 black teabags 2 cups boiling water 2 rock sugar stirrers (optional) Procedure 1. Combine the gingerroot and the teabags in a pitcher with the boiling water. Steep for 1-3 minutes; strain. 2. Pour into two teacups; […]
October 25, 2016
When it comes to fruits and vegetables, there’s no reason to limit yourself to fresh items only. Especially when your refrigerator is nearly empty, you cannot underestimate the potential of pantry staples like heart-healthy canned tomatoes and anti-inflammatory coconut milk. Combined with some carrots and a little dried curry powder, they easily transform into a flavorful soup that’s ready to be enjoyed in well under an hour. Try it on its own or with Vegetable Crackers from The Age Beautifully Cookbook. SERVES 2 Ingredients 2 Tbs. toasted sesame oil ½ cup diced red onion 2 carrots (about ⅔ cup), peeled […]