I could list a boatload of foods that protect your body from the ravages
of inflammation, but we'll just quickly talk about a few today that you
might not realize how powerful they really are... and they're tasty
too!
1. Artichokes -- I never used to eat these
all my life, but just in the last couple years, I've grown to really
love steamed artichokes! Many people have only used the artichoke
hearts that come in a jar, and those are okay, but I think the REAL
taste and health benefits come from getting whole artichokes and
steaming them yourself. You can boil artichokes as well, but I prefer
steaming them, and they take about 45-60 minutes in a steamer for a
large artichoke.
Once we steam the artichoke, we like to make a
dipping mix made of melted grass-fed butter, mixed with olive oil, and a
little garlic and salt. Then we eat the "flesh" from the base of each
leaf, and finally get to the anticipated grand finale... the artichoke
heart, which is pretty scrumptious!
A whole artichoke is a reasonably hearty meal for one person, or shared between 2 or 3 people can be a nice appetizer or snack.
Artichokes
are loaded with unique antioxidants (more than almost all other
vegetables tested) that have powerful health benefits and helps to fight
inflammation in your body. Some of the powerful antioxidants in
artichokes are anthocyanins, cynarin, quercertin, rutin, luteolin, and
silymarin.
This amazing vegetable is also purported to support
healthy liver function, has powerful benefits for your digestive system,
and also can improve your cholesterol ratios! Consider adding a couple
artichokes a week to your meals and your body (plus your taste buds)
will thank you.
2. Pistachios -- these
delicious little nuts are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and minerals
that all help protect your body and support good health. Don't be
fooled into thinking they are "fattening" as many people falsely
think... remember those are good fats that help control your appetite
and balance hormones. I won't go into any more details on the health
benefits of pistachios in this article, as we've already talked in full
detail about health-protecting pistachios in this article.
3. Cherries (and tart cherry juice)
-- The anthocyanins, queritrin, and quercetin as well as other
antioxidants in cherries are powerful natural inflammation fighters.
Plus, the phytochemicals in cherries are known to help relieve arthritis
and gout, and also help protect your joints from degeneration.
I
like to get whole cherries as a daily snack when they're in season. At
other times of the year, what I do is get small containers of cherry
juice or cherry juice concentrate, and I add some of this to my
unsweetened iced teas daily. My thought process is that this will help
to protect my joints from damage over the years so that I'm still
enjoying my skiing, hiking, and biking for decades to come.
Remember
that most teas, onions, garlic, berries, and all herbs and spices all
contain powerful phytonutrients that fight inflammation and protect your
body from degenerative diseases, so don't be shy with these!
Speaking of inflammation...
While there are plenty of foods that can protect your body and help fight inflammation, there are also plenty of foods that CAUSE inflammation in your body... This video shows you the #1 WORST oil for your heart, brain, and skin (as well as certain fish to avoid!)
And while we're talking about superfoods...
Check these out:
> 5 Surprising power-foods that FIGHT high blood pressure (blood pressure reducing nutrients)
Here's some more powerful foods that fight inflammation throughout your body:
Ginger: the powerful root that fights inflammation as well as turmeric
Onions: for your gut health, cancer fighter, and anti-aging
Rosemary: for brain health, inflammation, cancer-fighting, and more
To your health,
Mike Geary
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer