After a long work day, I walked into my house and was greeted by the smell of freshly baked brownies...
“Our food should be our medicine and our medicine our food.”
~ Hippocrates
After a long work day recently, I walked into my house and was greeted by the smell of freshly baked brownies, made by my husband and daughter. The house looked like a bomb had hit it, I was exhausted and the kids were wild but the brownies smelt good and suffice to say they were beckoning to me as a source of comfort. Those who know me well, know that I am very considerate of what I put in my body, opting for nourishing whole foods over anything processed and rarely consuming caffeine or alcohol.
Even with that knowledge, I decided I would get stuck into the gooey brownies and although I only had 2 pieces, I paid for it. The next morning, I felt like I had been hit by a truck. I was exhausted, my muscles ached, I was grumpy and I felt hungover……from brownies!
Food is powerful and can either enhance your health or completely destroy it. The cleaner your system is, the less tolerant it is of foods that are detrimental to your health. Poor food choices can increase your toxic load and cause severe inflammation in your system. On the other hand, choosing nutrient rich, wholefood can increase your experience of health and wellbeing.
TOP 10 ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS
- Wild Alaskan Salmon: Contains anti-inflammatory omega-3s. Try to incorporate oily fish into your diet twice weekly.
- Kelp: High in fibre, this brown algae extract helps control inflammation and is anti-oxidative.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides a healthy dose of fats that fights inflammation and lowers risk of asthma and arthritis.
- Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale and cauliflower are loaded with antioxidants.
- Blueberries: Reduce inflammation and can protect the brain from ageing. Aim for organic berries.
- Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound.
- Ginger: Helps reduce inflammation and control blood sugar.
- Garlic: Can help reduce inflammation, regulate glucose and help your body fight infection.
- Green Tea: Contains anti-inflammatory flavonoids.
- Sweet Potato: A great source of complex carbs, fibre, beta-carotene and vitamins.
TOP 10 INFLAMMATORY FOODS
- Sugar
- Common cooking oils (safflower, soy, sunflower, corn, cottonseed)
- Trans fats
- Dairy
- Feedlot-raised meat
- Red and processed meat
- Alcohol
- Refined grains (white rice, white flour, white bread, pasta)
- Artificial food additives (aspartame, MSG)
- Artificial sweeteners
Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric and Ginger Tea Recipe
Use 1 teaspoon each of fresh grated turmeric and ginger roots / 1 cup of water. Bring water to the boil in a small saucepan. Add freshly grated turmeric and ginger, reduce heat, and simmer for 10–15 minutes. Strain the tea and if you fancy, add raw/manuka honey and a slice of lemon to taste. You can drink 1 cup on days you feel extra achy.