Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Polyphenol-rich fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, and cherries are preferred over high-fructose fruits because they offer more beneficial plant chemicals relative to their sugar content. Adding milk to tea binds and inactivates the anti-inflammatory polyphenol compounds, potentially explaining why black tea drinkers in England may not receive its expected protective benefits. Plants defend themselves with chemical compounds that may be toxic or irritating to some consumers, which is the mechanism behind nightshade reactions. Buckwheat should be pressure cooked or cooked very well to reduce its inflammatory potential as a carbohydrate source. Aging mackerel accumulates histamine, which can worsen symptoms in people with allergies or histamine sensitivity, undermining the fish's anti-inflammatory benefit. Consuming more than about 20 grams of fructose per day may increase advanced glycation end products, associated with inflammation and aging. An estimated one quarter or more of people may develop inflammatory symptoms from nightshades such as red bell peppers, including arthritis-like inflammation, gut irritation, and brain fog.