As the old saying goes, “you are what you eat.” An ever-increasing body of research demonstrates the connection between a healthy diet and a stronger immune system – and even improved mood.
Inflammation in the body contributes to or causes many of the debilitating chronic illnesses that we see in older adults, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and even cancer. The good news is that changing your diet is one of the most effective ways you can help prevent or even reverse the inflammatory process. Learning which foods may be triggering the inflammatory process, and preparing healthy, tasty, and anti-inflammatory dishes can go a long way in managing your chronic pain.
Click here to browse recipes from our Anti-Inflammatory Kitchen.
While most of us know the importance of eating a variety of foods, especially vegetables and fruits, making this a reality day-in and day-out can prove to be challenging. With the goal of eating better at every meal, our recipe corner will suggest some healthy and satisfying dishes – some straight from the kitchens of our staff!
Bon Appétit!
Carrot Soup With Ginger And Lemon
Yield: Makes 4 Servings Ingredients 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 1/2 cups chopped onion 1 tablespoon finely chopped peeled fresh ginger 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 1/4 pounds medium carrots, peeled, chopped (about [...]
Coconut Chocolate Cupcakes
Prep time: 10 min | Cook time: 15-20 min 24 servings Recipe courtesy of Vanessa Berenstein, MA, RD, and Pamela Di Gregorio. Modified by Nour Amri, MS, CNS, LDN DRY INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup coconut flour [...]
Garlic Ginger Chicken
Garlic and ginger both have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Consumed regularly both ginger and garlic can help fight a number of inflammatory illnesses like arthritis, IBS, and even cancer. Ingredients: 4 skinless, boneless chicken [...]
Anti-inflammatory Herb Sauce
Fresh herbs are loaded with antioxidants and phytochemicals that reduce inflammation and prevent disease. Many culinary herbs like oregano and parsley actually contain anti-microbial compounds and facilitate the body's natural detoxification process. Enjoy using this [...]
Seaweed Salad
The body makes the thyroid hormones T3 & T4 by converting iodine that comes from the foods we eat. Therefore, adequate intake of iodine is essential for proper functioning of the thyroid gland. The recommended [...]
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash is one of the most popular winter squashes because of it's versatility and sweetness. Lucky for us it's full of antioxidant carotenoids that protect your body’s cells from free-radical damage. It's also a great [...]
Spinach Salad with Pomegranate-Glazed Walnuts
This Spinach Salad with Pomegranate Glazed Walnuts can be a wonderful and healthy addition to your weekday table or holiday spread! Spinach is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and a great source of dietary [...]
Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Tea
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in turmeric make it a great tool in calming overall inflammation; it has even been used to help with migraines! End each day with a cup of this delicious turmeric [...]
Spinach Blueberry Smoothie
Berries can be among the healthiest foods you can eat. They are not only delicious, but they all have anti-inflammatory effects. And, they not only aid in reducing inflammation, but they can protect the brain [...]
Chia Seed Pudding
Chia seeds are an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids and provide over 4 grams of protein per ounce! Combined with your favorite seasonal fruits, berries and nuts, this pudding will give you a healthy [...]
Cilantro "Detox" Smoothie
Eliminating toxins is a must for overall health, and cilantro - also known as coriander or Chinese parsley - is effective in helping to remove heavy metals and other toxic agents from the body. Cilantro [...]
Roasted Beet, Orange, and Avocado Salad
Beets get their rich, beautiful color from pigments called betalains, which have been shown to reduce inflammation, protect against cancer and also aid in the prevention of heart disease. By combining the beets with diced [...]
Baked Falafel Burgers
These Baked Falafel Burgers are a healthier option than their traditional fried counterparts, while still providing the rich flavors that make them so hard to resist! Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, are high in fiber and [...]
Tropical Carrot, Ginger, and Turmeric Smoothie
Give your immune system a boost with this vitamin and nutrient packed smoothie! Servings: Makes approximately 2 cups Ingredients 1 blood or navel orange, peel and white pith removed 1 large carrot, scrubbed, coarsely chopped [...]
Roasted Summer Squashes with Caper Gremolata
Summer squashes can be a great source of key antioxidant nutrients, including the carotenoids beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Beta-carotene has been found to help protect against cancer and aging; and lutein and zeaxanthin are important [...]
Grilled Salmon with Sweet Corn, Tomato and Avocado Relish
The combination of this fresh relish with any protein is delicious, but when served alongside of grilled salmon, it’s perfection! Avocado and grilled salmon are great sources of healthy, Omega -3 fatty acids. Salmon also [...]
Poached Eggs with Roasted Tomatoes
Eggs are a wonderful way to start the day. One egg provides almost 6 grams of protein, which helps to build muscle and keep you energized through the day. They are also high in lutein [...]
Quinoa & Vegetable Stir-Fry
Do you suffer from migraines? You may want to try this gluten-free, vitamin-rich dish that is high in magnesium and riboflavin - both of which have been shown to reduce the frequency of headaches. Quinoa, [...]
Spinach Quiche with Cauliflower Crust
Next to broccoli, cauliflower contains the second highest amount of compounds called glucosinolates, which are essential for triggering the body's detoxification system. It is also a great source of Vitamins C and K, as well [...]
Whole Wheat Pasta & Bean Salad
The kidney beans in this recipe provide Vitamin K, a nutrient essential for brain function. The cilantro is effective for removing heavy metals and toxins from your body - and adds a refreshing bite! This [...]