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5 Foods to Fight Inflammation STAFF REPORT C HRONIC INFLAMMATION IN THE BODY HAS BEEN LINKED TO MANY DISEASES AND LONG - TERM HEALTH CONDITIONS , INCLUDING ARTHRITIS , DIABETES , HEART DISEASE , A LZHEIMER ' S DISEASE , DEPRESSION AND EVEN CANCER . S OME FOODS , SUCH AS HIGHLY PROCESSED FOODS AND THOSE HIGH IN SUGAR , CAN ADD TO THE PROBLEM , AS THEY ENCOURAGE FURTHER INFLAMMATION . H OWEVER , THERE ARE SOME FOODS THAT HAVE AN ANTI - INFLAMMATORY EFFECT ON THE BODY , HELPING TO IMPROVE THE SYMPTOMS OF MANY DIFFERENT HEALTH CONDITIONS . ARK G REEN L EAFY V EGETABLES Swiss chard, spinach, kale, collard and other dark green leafy vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals and phyto-nutrients that help to fight and prevent disease. They are also high in anti- oxidants, flavonoids and polyphenols, which work together to re- duce inflammation and prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. Adding dark green leafy vegetables to salads, sandwiches, stir fries and soups is a simple way to boost your antioxidant intake. N UTS Nuts have been shown to have a positive impact on health, helping to reduce the risk of several health conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Walnuts, in particular, contain compounds that help to protect the cardiovascular system and improve heart health. Walnuts are also one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have a powerful anti-inflammatory ef- fect and can help to protect the brain, as well as the body. O ILY F ISH Oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and fresh tuna, is packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Many nutrition experts believe that a diet high in omega-3 and low in omega-6 fatty acids is one of the keys to reducing chronic inflammation in the body. Eating oily fish three or four times a week has also been shown to help protect the brain and heart. Both fresh and canned varieties of salmon, mackerel and sardines contain high amounts of these healthy fats. However, tuna only provides the same benefits when eaten fresh, as canned tuna has reduced omega-3 content. T OMATOES Tomatoes were once thought to cause inflammation and worsen the symptoms of arthritis, but studies have found that the opposite is true. Tomatoes are high in antioxidants and compounds that 14 AL/ Metro 360 www.almetro360.com LIVING WELL..................................................................................................................................... D