To Your Health
October, 2024 (Vol. 18, Issue 10) |
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How Healthy Is Your Diet?
By Editorial Staff
Take a bow if your diet is considered low in pro-inflammatory foods – not only because it's a testament to your dedication to health, but also because you're succeeding when so many others are struggling. Recent research underscores the scope of the problem.
Almost six in 10 Americans have pro-inflammatory diets, whereas only about three in 10 have anti-inflammatory diets. One in 10 have diets considered neutral in terms of their inflammatory capability. The problem with pro-inflammatory diets is that they drive inflammation, which increases the risk of health issues such as heart disease and cancer.
In general, pro-inflammatory foods are processed and low in nutrients, while anti-inflammatory foods are just the opposite: unprocessed, nutrient-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fatty fish and beans / nuts / seeds (although there are some exceptions – tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, etc.).
Take stock of your diet and make changes if it's too pro-inflammatory. Click here for a complete list of anti-inflammatory foods, courtesy of John's Hopkins Medicine, and talk to your doctor to learn more.
