ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Anti-Inflammatories reduce the inflammatory process in cells, tissues, and blood vessels, helping to slow aging and reduce the risk of long-term disease.
Recipes that include anti-inflammatory foods are below.
To learn more about anti-inflammatory compounds, click the icon.
June 21, 2016
Summer entertaining? Whether you’re hosting a barbeque, a birthday, or a party in the garden, be sure to offer your guests healthy and savory appetizers. A Mediterranean tapenade rich with olives, garlic and herbs is the perfect hearty pre-dinner snack. Olives are full of anti-inflammatory heart-healthy fat and packed with briny flavor. Serve this tapenade with whole wheat pita, crackers, or the vegetables of your choice. YIELDS 1 Cup Ingredients 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted 2 Tbs. capers, drained ½ tsp. dried oregano 2-3 leaves fresh basil, ripped into small pieces 1 medium clove garlic, minced ¼ tsp. freshly ground […]
June 7, 2016
At the height of allergy season, incorporating nettles into your meals can be a soothing practice offering relief. With research supporting the use of nettles for seasonal allergies and hay fever, this plant contains anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties (Learn more about the benefits of nettles in our story on them). It is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Nettles care commonly cooked into a tea, but they also make a flavorful sauce. Enjoy this fresh nettle pesto today over quinoa or gluten-free pasta. Chef’s note: Never eat or touch fresh nettles; heat neutralizes the volatile compound that sting […]
April 26, 2016
I found the inspiration for this tapenade while at a health spa in Mexico. Of course, I put my own special FoodTrients spin on it to create a great topping for fish and a dip for crackers and bread. The pecans can be toasted or raw. I like to use sundried tomatoes preserved in olive oil. Benefits Pecans contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help improve your blood circulation by lowering triglycerides, or bad fats. Omega-3s help your skin by reducing inflammation that can lead to accelerated skin aging. Tomatoes, especially sundried, are a rich source of lycopene, an antioxidant […]
October 18, 2015
A tropical American fruit, cherimoyas are popular in the Southern hemisphere and Spain. In Britain they’re called custard apples which aptly describes their texture and flavor. Cherimoyas can be purchased online from Amazon.com or melissas.com and need to be allowed to ripen until soft before using. The black seeds are poisonous when crushed, so be sure to discard them. Cherimoyas offer vitamin B6—an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory, vitamin C, iron, and riboflavin for cell energy. These small, candy-like balls have a custardy flavor. Since many people have never tried cherimoyas, I like to serve them this way at parties as […]
December 15, 2014
By changing the bulgur wheat usually found in tabbouleh with quinoa, you are getting a nutrient-dense gluten-free grain that acts as a complete protein. It also has silica for building collagen, which helps boost your skin’s elasticity. The tomatoes provide heart-healthy lycopene, the parsley gives us detoxifying chlorophyll and antioxidants, and the olive oil helps lower inflammation. To make this a gluten-free appetizer, swap the pita rounds for flaxseed crackers or eat the tabbouleh alone as a salad. SERVES 2 Ingredients 1/2 cup quinoa 1/2 tsp. kosher salt dissolved in 1 cup water 2 cups finely chopped parsley 1/2 cup […]
November 21, 2014
This delicious cold-weather drink has a host of health benefits. Both cinnamon and nutmeg decrease inflammation inside the body. Cloves have high levels of antioxidants for skin renewal and regeneration. Molasses and evaporated milk provide calcium for strong bones and teeth. And coffee contains antioxidants that help prevent damage to your DNA. SERVES 4 Ingredients 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk 4 Tbs. molasses (or to taste) 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. each ground nutmeg and cloves 4 cups freshly brewed coffee Cinnamon sticks as garnish Procedure 1. In a medium saucepan, warm the evaporated milk over low heat […]
July 2, 2014
My mother made this dish for our family dinners whenever we wanted comfort food. I always think of her when I make it. It has chicken and egg–symbols of the life cycle. I usually serve it over some form of potato: mashed, boiled baked, or even fried (baked potatoes are the healthiest option). The chicken provides detoxifying selenium, and the tomatoes offer heart-healthy lycopene. The garlic contributes immune-boosting allicin compounds, while the olive oil adds natural anti-inflammatory compounds (oleocanthal and oleuropein). SERVES 4 Ingredients 2 Tbs. olive oil 2 Tbs. minced garlic 1/2 cup diced onion 2 cups […]
July 3, 2013
The secret to this dish is the oyster sauce in the marinade. For years, people have asked me what makes this swordfish so tangy and delicious. I’ve refused to divulge my secret…until now! The marinade makes the fish so flavorful that it doesn’t need any extra sauce. But you can top it with my Papaya Relish for more antioxidant power. SERVES 2 Ingredients 1/3 cup oyster sauce 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons) 1/4 cup olive oil 2 swordfish steaks (about 6 oz. each) Procedure 1. In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, lemon juice, and […]
December 6, 2012
Mustard is a highly popular and widely used condiment that has sparked interest among nutritionists. Its detoxifying selenium and magnesium have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce blood pressure. Its phytonutrients seem to inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells. Mustard also stimulates the saliva glands, aiding in digestion. I like to use Dijon mustard for the crust on this tri-tip, but you can use any flavorful prepared mustard. As with all red meat, the lysine in the beef repairs tissue and helps skin build new collagen. I use grass-fed beef for its omega-3s and other healthful […]
April 27, 2011
Ginger gives this dressing its flavor as well as amazing anti-inflammatory benefits and pain-reducing effects. It also relaxes muscles, increases circulation, and aids digestion. Buy the whole gingerroot, then peel or cut off about an inch of the rough skin. Grate only as much ginger as you need, and put the root back into the refrigerator, ready to be peeled and grated for the next dish. I use this dressing with my Green Tea Noodles with Edamame and over my Spinach and Grapefruit Salad. It works well with any mixed green salad. YIELDS about 1/4 cup Ingredients 1 Tbs. grated […]
April 26, 2011
This rice is mildly spiced because it’s designed to go with Grace’s Turkey in Turmeric Sauce. If you want the rice to carry most of the flavor, substitute coconut milk for half of the water. Then serve it with grilled turkey, chicken, or fish. Either way, you get both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits from the fresh turmeric. YIELDS 2 cups Ingredients 1 cup jasmine rice ½ cup Fresh Turmeric Juice or 1 tsp. turmeric powder 2 cups water Procedure 1. Rinse rice under running water once. Drain and set aside. 2. Combine the turmeric juice or powder with 2 cups […]
March 29, 2011
Turmeric, an anti-inflammatory, is a main ingredient in Indian curries. With its bright yellow color, turmeric pairs beautifully with poultry and fish. Its mild flavor goes well with garlic. Coconut milk has been much maligned for its saturated fat, but new research has revealed that its medium-chain fatty acids increase HDL, or “good” cholesterol, not LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. The fat in coconut milk supports the flavor of turmeric very well. For this recipe, I use only the thick liquid at the top of the can of coconut milk. To get double the turmeric benefits, serve it over Grace’s Turmeric […]