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July 13, 2009
Inflammatory Eating
Those with heart disease have high levels of inflammation in their bodies, the immune system's attempt to defend against disease or infection. Some foods have been shown to produce pro and anti-inflammatory responses in our bodies. Here's a summary:
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Beans and legumes: dry beans, tofu
Beverages: green tea, red wine (in moderation)
Fish: cod, halibut, herring, oysters, salmon, tuna
Fruits: apples, berries, cherries, citrus fruits, pineapple, tomatoes
Herbs and spices: basil, cinnamon, ginger, mint, oregano, thyme
Nuts: almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts
Oils: canola, extra virgin olive
Savory snacks: dark chocolate (in moderation)
Vegetables: bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, garlic, greens, onions, sweet potatoes
Pro-Inflammatory Foods
Excessive consumption of refined sugars: candies, pastries, sugar-sweetened beverages
Highly processed carbohydrates: doughnuts, potato chips
Oils: hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils (trans fat)
Processed meats: hot dogs, luncheon meats, sausage
Saturated fats
Trans fatty acids: margarine
Posted by Lisa at July 13, 2009 7:11 AM
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Comments
Your list of foods reminds me of the healthy Mediterranean diet (generally considered anti-inflammatory) and the DASH diet. Both have been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease rates.
-Steve
Posted by: Steve Parker, M.D. at July 15, 2009 10:11 AM