Certain ingredients in our food promote the inflammatory
process. One, for example, is arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid.
Although the human organism normally produces arachidonic acid itself, most (up
to 90%) is supplied from food. It is contained in foods of animal origin only.
Arachidonic acid fulfills an important function in our body, but in excess it
promotes the formation of mediators and precipitators of the inflammatory
process, especially the "free radicals."
Among substances that reduce the inflammatory
process are the antioxidants: vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene; the minerals
zinc and selenium; and the polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids. Whereas vitamins
bind and neutralize free radicals, omega-3 fatty acids prevent the formation of
inflammation mediators.
Fats and oils The
inflammatory process also depends on the quality and amount of fats and oils
consumed. For this reason, it's important to eat low-fat foods. Reducing the
amount of dietary fat decreases obesity, helps maintain normal weight, and
reduces stress on the joints. For this reason, it's important to reduce the
consumption of animal fats (lard, butter, cream), fat-laden meat dishes
(sausage, bacon, p�t�s, terrines, etc.), protein, and whole-milk products.
These food groups contain many calories and also inflammation-promoting
arachidonic acid.
In contrast, vegetables don't contain arachidonic acid.
For this reason, vegetable oils are preferable. Wheat germ, sunflower seed, corn
oil and thistle oil as well as oil-containing fruits (walnuts and almonds) are
the main sources of the antioxidant vitamin E. Rapeseed oil, soy oil, walnut
oil, linseed oil, or wheat germ oil contain significant amounts of omega-3 fatty
acids.
Avoid: Pro-Inflammatory
Foods
Stay away from pro-inflammatory foods, which accelerate the
aging process. A simple rule of thumb is to consider the following: If it
contains flour, and/or sugar or other sweetener, it will be pro-inflammatory.
Sugary, starchy foods are poor choices and will not only pack on excess pounds,
they will make you look older than your years.
Bagels
Breads, rolls, baked goods
Candy
Cake
Cookies
Cereals (except old fashioned
oatmeal)
Cornstarch
Corn bread, corn muffins
Corn syrup
Crackers
Croissants
Doughnuts
Egg rolls
Fast food
French Fries
Fruit juice�choose the fruit
instead
Fried foods
Flour
Granola
Hard cheese (except for feta and
grating cheeses, such as Romano and Parmesan)
Honey
Hot dogs
Ice cream, frozen yogurt, Italian
ices
Jams, jellies and preserves
Margarine
Molasses
Muffins
Noodles
Pancakes
Pastry
Pie
Pita bread
Pizza
Pasta
Popcorn
Potatoes
Pudding
Relish
Rice
Sherbet
Shortening
Snack foods, including: potato
chips, pretzels, corn chips, rice and corn cakes, etc.
Soda
Sugar
Tacos
Tortillas
Waffles
'Good' Foods
Best
protein choices (these are also rich in essential fatty acids, which help
facilitate weight loss): Wild Alaskan salmon, halibut, herring, trout, anchovies
and sardines. EAT WILD COUGHT, NOT FARM RAISED.
Best poultry choices: Skinless chicken breast and skinless
turkey breast.
Other good sources of protein (choose low fat varieties if
weight is a concern): Plain yogurt, high essential fatty acid eggs, plain kefir,
cottage cheese and tofu.
Grains and legumes: Old fashioned oatmeal,
lentils, chickpeas, dried beans, buckwheat and barley.
Fruits and
Vegetables (The Rainbow Foods): Apples, artichokes, arugula, asparagus, avocado,
bamboo shoots, bell peppers (green and red), berries (blueberries, blackberries,
strawberries, raspberries), bok choy, broccoli, broccoli rabe, brussels sprouts,
cabbage, cantaloupe, cauliflower, celery, cherries, chives, collards, cucumbers,
dark green leafy lettuces (baby greens), eggplant, endive, escarole, fresh
lemons, garlic, green beans, grapefruits (red and pink), honeydew melon, hot
peppers, kale, leeks, mushrooms, onions, pears, pea pods, radish, rutabaga,
scallions, swiss chard, spinach, sprouts, summer squash, tomatoes, turnips,
water chestnut and zucchini.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts,
pecans, macadamia nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and
flaxseeds.
Herbs and spices: Cinnamon sticks, dill, marjoram, parsley,
turmeric, ginger root, basil, oregano, thyme, lemon balm, mint, sage and
rosemary.
Beverages: Green tea, water, A�a� (found in natural food
stores), pomegranate juice (unsweetened).
Condiments: Extra-virgin olive
oil (look for Italian or Spanish high quality), cayenne pepper,
salsa.