The impact of chronic inflammation on your health and wellbeing can be profound. Unfortunately, many people suffer from inflammation and its accompanying effects without realizing it or knowing how to counteract the condition. With diseases such as arthritis, cancer, depression, diabetes, and more all linked to inflammation, the consequences can be severe.
Thankfully, research shows that a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can drastically reduce inflammation and improve health both immediately and long-term. While everyone has unique individual factors that influence their propensity to inflammation and reaction to various methods of reducing inflammation, embracing the natural tools available to you, such as making dietary changes, is a great way to set yourself up for success.
There are a variety of foods that fight inflammation, and we recommend thoroughly researching the topic for yourself. However, there are certain leafy greens that do an exceptional job of decreasing inflammation and improving health. For a quick guide to some of the most effective anti-inflammatory leafy greens, continue reading!
Spinach
Downing spinach by the can full may not give you the legendary muscles of Popeye, but it certainly can reduce inflammation. Thanks to its vitamin-packed nutrients—including B, E, C, A, and K vitamins—as well as its omega-3 fatty acids, spinach can combat inflammation like few other foods. These nutrients, in conjunction with quercetin, an antioxidant, make spinach a must-have leafy green in any anti-inflammatory diet.
Kale
This leafy green has gained massive popularity in recent years, due in part to its impressive ability to fight inflammation. It is no secret that kale is exceptionally good for you thanks to its extraordinary vitamin and mineral content. Even the omega-3 content, a valuable fatty acid typically found in fish, is substantial. 10% of the recommended omega-3 intake can be found in a single cup of kale.
Turnip Greens
The turnip may steal the show, but the leafy greens of the turnip plant are actually far more nutritious than the root vegetable itself. With bountiful amounts of calcium, folate, manganese, and vitamins A, C, and K, turnip greens are a power agent in the fight against inflammation. They even contain numerous antioxidants, all of which can be beneficial in reducing inflammation.
Seaweed
We know your mind likely does not jump to seaweed when discussing leafy greens, but we’re here to tell you why it should. Popular in sushi but versatile enough to be incorporated into other dishes, seaweed is an underused, highly nutritious alternative to land vegetables. With bioactive compounds such as phycocyanins, which as antioxidants, the anti-inflammatory properties of seaweed are remarkable. It also features high quantities of minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium, making it a well-rounded dietary addition.
Endive
A lesser-known leafy green that packs a punch, endive contains an unbelievable amount of vitamin K—a full 72% of your daily value in just a half-cup of leaves. In addition to its high vitamin content, endive features the antioxidant kaempferol, which has been demonstrated to fight inflammation. If you want to try something new and reap the benefits of anti-inflammatory vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, endive should be on your list.
Whether you are committed to the idea of reducing inflammation through dietary changes or are curious about the potential benefits, reaching out to a knowledgeable health professional is key. They can have an honest discussion with you about how incorporating more inflammation-fighting leafy greens can improve your health, recommend specific foods you might want to consider, and even refer you to resources for making tasty dishes with your new diet.