15 Anti-Inflammatory Foods You Should Be Eating
By Shereen Lehman, MS | Reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD
Updated November 28, 2017
Inflammation is your immune system's reaction to irritation, injury, or infection. It's a normal response (and actually a good thing), and it's a natural part of healing. But it's possible that chronic inflammation could have a negative impact on your body and your health.
Following an anti-inflammatory diet is one way to counter some of the chronic inflammation that comes from leading a not-so-healthy lifestyle. If you're ready to get back on the path to healthy eating, try these 15 foods that are all nutritious and fit perfectly into an anti-inflammatory diet.
Almonds
Almonds are an excellent source of monounsaturated fats (similar to olive oil), vitamin E, and manganese. They’re also a good source of magnesium and plant protein. In research studies, eating almonds has been associated with having a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, probably by improving the fatty acids profile of your blood.
Almonds are also very satiating, so even though they’re a little higher in calories than many other anti-inflammatory foods, eating a handful of almonds may help you stick with a healthy weight loss program.
Avocados
Avocados are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, plus they're an excellent source of magnesium, fiber, and potassium, while being low in sodium. Eating half an avocado will also add nicely to your daily intake of vitamins C, A, E, and B-complex vitamins.
The combination of these nutrients and the polyphenols that work as antioxidants make avocados a must-have for any anti-inflammatory diet. Add avocado slices to your favorite sandwich or salad, or make a tasty guacamole.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables that are high in phytochemicals called glucosinolates. These phytochemicals are powerful antioxidants. Broccoli is also an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and vitamin A, all while being low in calories.
Epidemiological studies show that eating a diet high in cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, is associated with having a lower risk of certain types of cancer. It's easy to get more broccoli into your diet because it's delicious cooked or raw.
Blueberries
Blueberries contain significant amounts of polyphenols that trigger antioxidant activity and may help to prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease. These phytochemicals, including flavonoids, anthocyanidins, phenolic acids, and tannins, prevent and repair the cellular damage done by free radicals.
Laboratory studies show the chemicals in blueberries may also prevent cancer by slowing down the growth of cells and reducing inflammation. They're also low in calories and add vitamin C, vitamin E, and fiber to your daily diet. And don't forget they're also absolutely delicious!
Carrots
Carrots contain beta-carotene, which your body can convert to vitamin A, which is essential for your health, but it's also a powerful antioxidant in its own right. Carrots also contain zeaxanthin and lutein, which are also related to vitamin A. Eating a diet rich in these antioxidants may help to reduce your risk of cancer by preventing damage to the healthy cells of your body.
Since carrots are low in calories and a good source of fiber, they can also help you lose weight if necessary—important because obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.
Dry Beans
Dry beans, such as navy beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans, are an excellent anti-inflammatory source of plant protein, minerals, B-complex vitamins, and vitamin K. They're also chock-full of beneficial fiber, and they contain polyphenols that work as antioxidants.
Research suggests dry beans may provide health benefits and help prevent some types of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, as well as reduce inflammation. Since they're high in protein, they're perfect for meatless meals you'll love even if you're not a vegetarian.
Kale
Kale is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, and a good source of calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C while being low in sodium. It's also low in calories and has a bit of fiber.
Kale contains compounds called glucosinolates that may help prevent cancer, plus lutein and zeaxanthin, which are related to vitamin A and may help lower your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration. Also, lutein may help prevent atherosclerosis. Add kale to a salad or eat kale chips as a snack.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is an essential component of the Mediterranean diet, which has been linked to heart health and longevity. It's rich in monounsaturated fats that are good for your blood vessels and has polyphenols that work as antioxidants to protect the cells in your body.
Olive oil helps reduce inflammation, reduces high cholesterol, and it's possible that some of the polyphenols may help prevent some forms of cancer, so it's an amazing oil to add to your kitchen. It's not always best for cooking but it's perfect for salad dressings and for finishing vegetable side dishes.
Oranges
Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium, and they also contain fiber, calcium, and folate. The fiber and folate in oranges may help keep your heart healthy, and the vitamin C is essential for immune system function, strong connective tissue, and healthy blood vessels.
Oranges and orange juice are excellent additions to an anti-inflammatory diet and you don't need to save them for breakfast. Oranges make a great afternoon snack and can be added to a variety of dishes and salads.
Salmon
Salmon contains significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids—more than any other type of fish or seafood. Studies suggest people who have a higher intake of these fatty acids may be less likely to suffer from dry eyes, and it's also good for the heart because the healthy fats help reduce inflammation and keep cholesterol in check.
The American Heart Association suggests you eat fatty fish at least twice a week because of those beneficial omega-3s, but what makes salmon even better is that it's also a good source of an antioxidant called astaxanthin.
Spinach
Spinach is one of the best known of all the anti-inflammatory superfoods. It contains lutein, which is related to vitamin A and beta carotene. Spinach also gives you iron, vitamin K, and folate, and it is very low in calories, so it's perfect for weight loss diets.
Research shows that people who eat green, leafy vegetables, like spinach, may have a decreased risk of macular degeneration, so add plenty of fresh or cooked spinach to your diet.
Strawberries
Strawberries are delicious, juicy, and sweet—and to make it even better, they're also good for your health. Strawberries are low in calories, high in fiber, and they contain vitamins and minerals your body needs to function normally, including a lot of vitamin C. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and plenty of potential health benefits.
Just about all berries are good for you because the pigments that give them their color also contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals. Like most orange-colored vegetables, they're extremely high in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which is a potent antioxidant. Sweet potatoes also are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and K, potassium, and B complex vitamins.
Sweet potatoes also have plenty of fiber and aren't too high in calories, so they make a delicious addition to any diet. A baked sweet potato is perfect as a side dish or top it with baked beans and broccoli and eat it as a meal.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is so beautiful and delicious. It's a wonderful (and colorful) leafy green vegetable to add to your anti-inflammatory shopping list. Swiss chard is an excellent source of vitamins A and K, a good source of several minerals and very low in calories.
Research suggests that Swiss chard may have flavonoids that work as antioxidants and reduce inflammation so it makes a healthy addition to your menu.
Walnuts
Walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, vitamin E, minerals, and phytochemicals called sterols. They also contain monounsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids that are good for your heart. Walnuts are also energy-dense, so you may need to watch your portion size, but, even though they are high in calories, eating a handful of walnuts can help you feel full longer and actually help you lose weight.
A Word from Verywell
Adding these delicious and healthy foods may help improve your overall health and make it easier to manage a healthy weight. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods may also help prevent certain health conditions from occurring as you age. Just be sure to keep your anti-inflammatory foods healthy by using the best cooking and meal preparation methods.
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