5 Lesser Known Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Add to Your Diet (And a Few Foods to Ditch!)

Natural Beauty Industry Expert Sara Novak |

Sep 18, 2014

Chronic inflammation is the root cause of many serious illnesses including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. When inflammation persists it’s damaging to the body. Stress, genetic predisposition, and exposure to toxins can feed inflammation in the body. At the same time, a healthy diet can put out the fire of inflammation before it wreaks havoc. Anti-inflammatory foods can help, but what exactly are anti-inflammatory foods?

An anti-inflammatory diet consists of a variety of fresh foods, emphasizing the importance of fruits and vegetables while minimizing consumption of processed foods and fast food.

5 Lesser Known Anti-Inflammatory Foods Add to Your Diet (And a Few Foods to Ditch!)

1. Kohlrabi

Members of the brassica family of vegetables are known for their anti-inflammatory compounds. Kohlrabi is a lesser known member that also includes Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, broccoli, collard greens, tatsoi, and turnips.

2. Asian mushrooms

Asian mushrooms like shiitake, Hen of the Wood, oyster, and crimini mushrooms contain beta-glucan which helps to lower inflammation response in the body while also supporting heart health.

3. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be added to all sorts of foods to boost their anti-inflammatory qualities and help your digestive tract better process the food you eat.

4. Basil

Basil and other fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley are an easy way to add anti-inflammatory amp to the foods you love.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric is well known for a natural anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin, which is said to have the same impact as over the counter pain relievers. It douses inflammation before it can damage the internal organics of the body.

While you’re trying to add in these anti-inflammatory foods, it’s also important to remove the foods that are well known for feeding inflammation in the body. These include: