The answer is their deep blue outer skin: the antioxidants responsible for their distinctive dark-blue hue are powerful, anti-inflammatory compounds called anthocyanins. A review published in Advances in Nutrition found that people who regularly consume anthocyanin-rich blueberries have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, along with improved weight management and brain functioning.

What better way to reap the many health benefits associated with blueberries than by enjoying this Blueberry Baked Oatmeal? Slice into a pomegranate's smooth, thick skin, and you will find incredible chambers of juicy, ruby-red seeds aka arils that burst with flavor and antioxidants.

A review published in Foods reported that pomegranates have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can lower several inflammatory biomarkers associated with chronic disease.

Specifically, the researchers concluded that pomegranates might protect against obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer. These health benefits are primarily due to an antioxidant known as punicalagin.

According to the Antioxidant Food Database, pomegranates contain up to 9 mmol of antioxidants per 3. These tart stone fruits contain a wide array of beneficial compounds that have been proven to boost your health.

In fact, a review published in Nutrients —that included 20 studies on tart cherries—found that their high antioxidant concentration is associated with reduced inflammation and oxidative stress.

But the cherry on top of the cake is that they've also been shown to improve sleep , blood pressure and arthritic pain. The compounds responsible for these impressive benefits include polyphenols, melatonin, carotenoids and vitamins E and C. According to the Antioxidant Food Database, tart cherries contain up to 7 mmol of antioxidants per 3.

You can include this nutrient-packed fruit in your diet by preparing this Anti-Inflammatory Cherry-Spinach Smoothie. Though commonly called berries, botanically, blackberries are actually a cluster of single-seeded drupelets filled with protective plant compounds. In a study published in Foods , the researchers found that blackberries contain several antioxidant-rich compounds that can inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory molecules linked to inflammatory conditions.

Of the antioxidants present in blackberries, anthocyanins and terpenoids are the most prominent ones. According to the Antioxidant Food Database, 3. If you are looking to add these gems to your fruit rotation, try this delicious Blackberry Crisp.

Native to Asia, goji berries have a distinctive sweet yet tangy flavor—comparable to cranberries or cherries. These unique berries are characterized by their oblong shape and vivid orange-red pigment—all thanks to compounds called carotenoids.

The most common carotenoid in goji berries is zeaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that plays an important role in good vision.

A study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity noted that regularly consuming goji berries increases levels of blood antioxidants and zeaxanthin, which is supportive of eye health. The same study also found that the high antioxidant potential of goji berries also has anti-aging and immune-supporting effects.

According to the Antioxidant Food Database, goji berries contain 4 mmol of antioxidants per 3. Try tossing these tiny but mighty berries into your next batch of trail mix to up your antioxidant intake.

With their velvety red skin and floral aroma, raspberries are loaded with protective antioxidants that ward off disease. According to a study published in Antioxidants , the major antioxidants present in raspberries include anthocyanins, ellagitannins and vitamin C.

The researchers revealed that these compounds may combat oxidative stress and inflammation that promote the development of diseases like cancer. In just 3. Consider whipping up this Muesli with Raspberries when you are in need of an antioxidant boost.

Whether you are looking to protect your cells from harmful free radicals, find relief from chronic inflammation, or aid in disease management, antioxidants are powerful compounds that can significantly improve your health.

Although red and purple fruits like blueberries, pomegranates, tart cherries, blackberries, goji berries and raspberries have the highest quantities, antioxidants are also abundant in various plant foods.

From fruits to vegetables, nuts and legumes, you can obtain all the antioxidants you need when you consume a balanced diet. Use limited data to select advertising.

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Measure advertising performance. Consistently pick the wrong ones, and you could accelerate the inflammatory disease process.

Not surprisingly, the same foods on an inflammation diet are generally considered bad for our health, including sodas and refined carbohydrates, as well as red meat and processed meats.

Hu says. Unhealthy foods also contribute to weight gain, which is itself a risk factor for inflammation. Yet in several studies, even after researchers took obesity into account, the link between foods and inflammation remained, which suggests weight gain isn't the sole driver.

An anti-inflammatory diet should include these foods:. On the flip side are beverages and foods that reduce inflammation, and with it, chronic disease, says Dr. He notes in particular fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, apples, and leafy greens that are high in natural antioxidants and polyphenols — protective compounds found in plants.

Studies have also associated nuts with reduced markers of inflammation and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Coffee , which contains polyphenols and other anti-inflammatory compounds, may protect against inflammation, as well.

To reduce levels of inflammation, aim for an overall healthy diet. If you're looking for an eating plan that closely follows the tenets of anti-inflammatory eating, consider the Mediterranean diet , which is high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish, and healthy oils.

Unhealthy foods also contribute to weight gain, which is itself a risk factor for inflammation. Yet in several studies, even after researchers took obesity into account, the link between foods and inflammation remained, which suggests weight gain isn't the sole driver.

An anti-inflammatory diet should include these foods:. On the flip side are beverages and foods that reduce inflammation, and with it, chronic disease, says Dr. He notes in particular fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, apples, and leafy greens that are high in natural antioxidants and polyphenols — protective compounds found in plants.

Studies have also associated nuts with reduced markers of inflammation and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Coffee , which contains polyphenols and other anti-inflammatory compounds, may protect against inflammation, as well. To reduce levels of inflammation, aim for an overall healthy diet.

If you're looking for an eating plan that closely follows the tenets of anti-inflammatory eating, consider the Mediterranean diet , which is high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish, and healthy oils. In addition to lowering inflammation, a more natural, less processed diet can have noticeable effects on your physical and emotional health.

Foods that cause inflammation Try to avoid or limit these foods as much as possible: refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries French fries and other fried foods soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages red meat burgers, steaks and processed meat hot dogs, sausage margarine, shortening, and lard.

Anti-inflammatory foods An anti-inflammatory diet should include these foods: tomatoes olive oil green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards nuts like almonds and walnuts fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.

Research has shown that turmeric reduces inflammation related to arthritis, diabetes, and other diseases 55 , 56 , In one study, people with metabolic syndrome consumed 1 gram of curcumin daily combined with piperine from black pepper. They experienced a significant decrease in the inflammatory marker CRP 56 , It may be hard to get enough curcumin from turmeric alone to experience a noticeable effect.

Taking supplements containing isolated curcumin may be much more effective. More research is needed to understand how the dosage of turmeric affects inflammatory markers Extra virgin olive oil is one of the healthiest fats you can eat.

Studies suggest extra virgin olive oil may reduce the risk of heart disease, brain cancer, obesity, and other serious health conditions 59 , 60 , Research suggests that following a Mediterranean diet and supplementing with extra virgin olive oil can significantly decrease inflammatory markers The effect of oleocanthal, an antioxidant found in olive oil, has been compared to anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen Remember that extra virgin olive oil has greater anti-inflammatory benefits than refined olive oils 4.

Dark chocolate is delicious, rich, and satisfying. These may reduce your disease risk and lead to healthier aging 6 5 , 6 6 , 67 , One small study of participants who consumed mg of cocoa flavanols twice daily or a placebo suggests that cocoa flavanols can improve vascular function and decrease blood pressure and arterial stiffness within the first 3—8 hours after ingestion Tomatoes are high in vitamin C, potassium , and lycopene , an antioxidant with impressive anti-inflammatory properties 7 1 , 72 , 73 , Lycopene may be particularly beneficial for reducing pro-inflammatory compounds related to several types of cancer 75 , 76 , Cooking tomatoes in olive oil can help you absorb more of their lycopene content Cherries are delicious and rich in antioxidants, such as anthocyanins and catechins, which decrease inflammation 79 , 80 , Although the health-promoting properties of tart cherries have been studied more than other varieties, sweet cherries may also provide benefits.

One study including 37 older adults found that those who consumed 16 ounces mL of tart cherry juice daily for 12 weeks experienced significantly lower levels of the inflammatory marker CRP However, another study found tart cherry juice had no effect on inflammation in healthy younger adults after they took it daily for 30 days For example, a higher intake of some fast foods, frozen microwavable snack items, and processed meat products may be associated with higher blood levels of inflammatory markers like CRP 86 , 87 , Foods like sugar-sweetened beverages and refined carbs may also promote inflammation 89 , Do your best to keep inflammation in check by choosing a wide variety of delicious, antioxidant-rich foods.

Eating foods that are as close to their original form and choosing a variety of brightly colored foods can help provide more anti-inflammatory nutrients.

Peppers, dark chocolate, fish, and extra virgin olive oil are just a few foods that can help you lower inflammation and reduce your risk of illness. Try this today: Enjoy the powerful antioxidant effects of chocolate by making your own hot chocolate.

And for an optional anti-inflammatory boost, try it with a pinch of cayenne and cinnamon. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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Fatty fish. Share on Pinterest Photography by Aya Brackett. Green tea. Extra virgin olive oil. Dark chocolate and cocoa. Share on Pinterest Illustration by Jason Hoffman.