7 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Add to Your Plate

By: Grace Hall
September 6, 2024
Amino acids
Inflammatory signals
Anti-inflammatory proteins are essential for regulating the immune response, promoting tissue repair, and preventing chronic diseases linked to excessive inflammation. In this slideshow, we explore some of the most crucial proteins to help maintain a balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signals.
Crucial role

Interleukin-10 (IL-10): A cytokine that plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses and inhibiting inflammation.

Foods: Fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel), walnuts, and flaxseeds, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can promote IL-10 production.

Immune responses

Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β): A multifunctional cytokine that helps regulate immune responses and promotes tissue repair.

Foods: Leafy greens (such as spinach and kale), broccoli, and garlic, which contain compounds that may enhance TGF-β activity.

Reactive Protein

C-Reactive Protein (CRP): While often considered a marker of inflammation, it can also have anti-inflammatory effects by promoting the resolution of inflammation.

Foods: Whole grains (like oats and brown rice), berries, and nuts, which can help lower CRP levels through their anti-inflammatory properties.

Adiponectin levels

Adiponectin: A protein hormone produced by fat cells that has anti-inflammatory properties and helps regulate glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown.

Foods: Olive oil, fatty fish, and legumes (like lentils and chickpeas), which can help increase adiponectin levels in the body.

Support haptoglobin function
Haptoglobin: A protein that binds free hemoglobin, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Foods: Red and yellow bell peppers, citrus fruits, and berries, which are high in antioxidants and can support haptoglobin function.

Amino acids

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT): A protein that protects tissues from enzymes released during inflammation and helps modulate immune responses.

Foods: Eggs, fish, and lean meats, which provide essential amino acids that support the synthesis of AAT.

Overall immune function

Serum Amyloid A (SAA): While primarily known as an acute-phase protein, it can also have roles in modulating inflammation.

Foods: Whole grains, nuts, and seeds, which can help modulate inflammation and support overall immune function.