Spice up your life: 5 delightful ways to tame inflammation

While you might associate inflammation with the aftermath of a twisted ankle or the angry redness of acne, those are like the rockstars of the inflammation world – they announce their presence loud and clear. The real troublemaker is the silent chronic systemic inflammation, lurking inside us without any outward drama. This mischief-maker has been linked to a plethora of chronic diseases and the not-so-welcome companions: degeneration and aging.

Aging may be inevitable, but we can certainly dictate the pace from the inside out.

So, how do we stage a rebellion against this invisible foe?

Well, what we put on our plates can be our secret weapon! Your food choices can either fuel the inflammation fire or douse it with anti-inflammatory charm – talk about empowering your palate hey! And let's be real, nobody expects you to be a nutritional saint. There's room for those guilty pleasures in the grand symphony of nourishment.

A healthy relationship with food includes occasional indulgences, and remember, stress is another player in the inflammation game.

Now, let's debunk a myth: taming inflammation isn’t about a single food or nutrient; it’s a culinary lifestyle. Picture a diet filled with vibrant fruits, veggies, and an avoidance of processed junk – that's the anti-inflammatory hero we need. Adding just one inflammation-fighting food won’t work miracles if you're surrounded by culinary villains. So, aim for mostly real food, not junk. Small swaps lead to big victories!

Here are five delightful allies to invite to your plate regularly:

1. Turmeric (curcumin) Meet the golden knight, Turmeric, wielding curcumin, its potent anti-inflammatory sword. Sprinkle it in curries, soups, or enjoy a trendy turmeric latte. If turmeric isn’t your cup of tea (or latte), Ginger, its zesty sidekick, also packs a punch in the anti-inflammatory arena.

2. All the berries (anthocyanins) Bursting with anti-inflammatory anthocyanins, berries are nature's sweet rebellion. Go for the colourful riot – blue, purple, and red berries – to maximize the anti-inflammatory arsenal. Pro tip: a frozen organic mix is a budget-friendly way to bring variety to your berry bonanza.

3. Some oily fish (omega 3s) Dive into the sea of anti-inflammatory bliss with wild salmon, anchovies, mackerel, or sardines. They're like oceanic superheroes armed with long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, the ultimate inflammation fighters. Plant-based pals, your flaxseeds and chia seeds do not convert quite the same, yet we can get them by skipping the fish.

4. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) Elevate your culinary masterpiece by swapping mundane oils for the golden elixir, EVOO. Packed with polyphenols, these olive-derived treasures bring antioxidant and anti-inflammatory magic to your table. Drizzle, dip, and savour – your body will thank you!

5. Greens (go the greens) The green guardians not only boast an army of vitamins and minerals but also harbour antioxidants and anti-inflammatory wonders. Spinach, kale, broccoli – the more, the merrier! Fresh herbs like parsley not only add flavour but also join the anti-inflammatory party.

In the grand symphony of health, let your plate be the conductor, orchestrating a melody of anti-inflammatory delights. One bite at a time, let the rebellion against inflammation begin!