When you change your diet to include healthier options like lean proteins, good fats, and antioxidants, you will see far more physiological changes than weight loss alone. As your body absorbs the nutrients from the healthier foods you consume, it will begin to function more efficiently so that you get ill less often and see improvement in chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. One of the reasons that these changes will occur is the anti-inflammatory properties of these healthier foods.
Understanding inflammation in the body
Inflammation is most commonly associated with any condition ending in “-itis,” but there are many other conditions that are linked to inflammation as well. Serious and sometimes life-threatening illnesses have been shown to be caused in part by constant inflammation, which is the result of a diet high in the wrong type of fat. It has been known for decades that a high-fat diet will contribute to heart disease, hypertension, and some cancers. Only recently have doctors determined that the reason for this trend is related to inflammation.
Distinguishing good and bad fats
Not all fats will contribute to inflammation. In fact, there are some types of fat that will actually help reduce inflammation and restore balance in the body. Therefore, it is important to learn which foods will contribute good fats to your diet and which ones will pose a threat to your health. Generally, you should seek natural fat sources from whole foods, rather than processed fats found in fried or prepackaged foods. Omega-3 fatty acids are the best type of fat, commonly found in fish, nuts, olive and flax seed oils, and soybeans. Vegetables are also important for reducing inflammation, particularly nutrient-rich varieties of dark, leafy greens.