Have You Tried These Anti-Inflammatory Leafy Greens?
A diet rich in colorful fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, olive oil and fatty fish, a pattern similar to the Mediterranean or MIND diet, is consistently linked to anti-inflammatory benefits. Fighting inflammation matters because it can have a dramatic impact on your health. Short-term inflammation, like what you feel from a cold, is a normal part of the healing process. But when inflammation becomes chronic, it can contribute to metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease or blood sugar management problems, says Ginger Hultin, DCN, RDN.
No single food can switch off inflammation overnight, but leafy greens are some of the hardest-working anti-inflammatory foods you can buy. Here are six leafy greens worth eating every week, plus simple ways to work each one into your routine.
1. Arugula: This peppery cruciferous green is a concentrated source of glucosinolates and quercetin, a flavonoid that some research suggests may help block inflammatory compounds. Arugula is also rich in nitrates, which have been studied for their role in supporting healthy blood pressure, a condition closely linked to chronic inflammation.
Excerpted from Eating Well
