5 anti-inflammatory foods to add to your diet, according to a nutritionist
Growing up in an Indian household, you've likely heard about the benefits of eating cucumber in the summer or having a glass of turmeric milk (haldi-doodh) before bed. These traditions stem from the belief that certain foods are anti-inflammatory in nature and can help prevent illness in the body. Turns out, there is real science to back it up too. Dietician-nutritionist Sophie Janvier, known for her expertise in healthy eating, aims to educate her audiences about it through her program, Boost: 28 days to reclaim your health with an anti-inflammatory diet. This diet aims to reduce inflammation, leading to improved energy levels, digestion, joint health, blood sugar stability, and weight management. It's recommended for anyone looking fo overall health and is especially beneficial for conditions like endometriosis, eczema, or acne, which can worsen with inflammation. Chronic inflammation can lead to various health issues—Sophie Janvier offers five protective foods to combat it and promote well-being.
1. Nuts
“Almonds are packed with fiber, vegetable protein, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice. However, walnuts offer an extra advantage with their Omega-3 content. Omega-3s are essential fatty acids crucial for our body's proper functioning, often lacking in our diets. They stimulate the production of valuable anti-inflammatory substances, which benefit cardiovascular, dermatological, cognitive, and joint health,” explains Janvier. In essence, walnuts serve as allies against skinproblems, inflammatory issues, and even anxiety. For optimal results, incorporate oily fish into your diet twice a week. Varieties like tuna, salmon, sardines, or mackerel provide additional anti-inflammatory Omega-3s, complementing those found in walnuts.
2. Blueberries
“These red berries, like their cousins raspberries, redcurrants and all berries in general, are antioxidant bombs, that help fight oxidative stress in our cells. This is important because oxidative stress promotes ageing and leads to inflammatory reactions. Blueberries contain a particularly effective type of antioxidant: polyphenols. Their action has been studied many times, and their ability to block the production of certain pro-inflammatory substances has been confirmed” says Janvier. So, you can enjoy smoothies and other blueberry-based compotes while remaining moderate on sugar, which is inflammatory when consumed in excess.
3. Buckwheat
“It's the new quinoa—the ancient cereal, also known as buckwheat, is the star of the moment. And it's easy to see why. It is rich in fibre, antioxidants, plant proteins and is gluten-free too—a super cocktail,” explains Janvier. Fibre is our health ally as it feeds the good bacteria in our microbiota, which then produce anti-inflammatory substances. And that's not all, thanks to its fibre content, this cereal has a lower glycemic index than rice or pasta which means no sugar spikes either.
4. Kefir
This fermented beverage, originally from the Caucasus, contains natural probiotics, in other words, living bacteria that seed our microbiome, helping it to become richer and more diversified. A healthy microbiome has many positive effects on our health—better digestion, enhanced immunity, healthy skin and good mental health. Janvier says, “When the microbiota is disturbed, it promotes intestinal permeability and thus the passage of endotoxins into the bloodstream, triggering an inflammatory reaction.”
5. 85% cocoa dark chocolate
“We end with the most delicious and comforting thing, I'll say it loud and clear: chocolate is good for you, as long as you choose one that's high in cocoa and low in sugar,” stresses Janvier. It's the cocoa content that is responsible for its benefits. It's a nutritional treasure trove, with one of the richest antioxidant contents in the plant world, as well as minerals, fibre and theobromine, an anti-inflammatory substance. "Don't panic if you have acne, 4 squares of 85% cocoa dark chocolate won't be a problem—It's quite the opposite, and conversely, milk or white chocolates are too sweet and can promote inflammation," concluded Janvier.