There is a strong association between chronic inflammation and noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, arthritis, and cancer. Evidence also suggests that a person’s diet may trigger or subdue inflammation in the body, influencing disease risk. In this Honest Nutrition feature, we explore the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory diets and their potential benefits. We also dispel common myths.
Written by Amber Charles Alexis, MSPH, RDN on March 18, 2022 — Fact checked by Anna Guildford, Ph.D.
This series of Special Features takes an in-depth look at the science behind some of the most debated nutrition-related topics, weighing in on the facts and debunking the myths.
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An anti-inflammatory diet is richTrusted Source in foods containing health-promoting antioxidants, polyphenols, and other immune-boosting compounds that have the potential to fight inflammation in the body.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury and infection. However, experts link persistent and chronic inflammationTrusted Source to insulin resistance and an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and many other chronic conditions.
Foods with anti-inflammatory properties include, but are not limited to herbs and spicesTrusted Source, such as turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, pepper, and rosemary
fruit, including pineapple, papaya, mango, berries, and acerola cherry vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkin, green leafy vegetables, and zucchini peas and beans, such as pinto beans, chickpeas, lentils, and black-eyed peas
oily fish and other omega-3 sources, including sardines, salmon, mackerel, herring, and fish oil
dairy, such as yogurt whole grains, such as corn, cornmeal, and whole grain pasta, bread, and rice How does an anti-inflammatory diet work?
According to researchTrusted Source, several foods cause inflammation in the body, including highly refined carbohydrates and added sugars, red meat, trans and saturated fats, and saltTrusted Source.
Although there is no well-defined anti-inflammatory diet, there are broad recommendations for foods to get more of and those to get less of to treat inflammation in the body.
