10 Foods That Lower Inflammation And Help Prevent Diabetes

Joint pain and inflammation is one of many growing health problems affecting our life and daily activities. 

​Inflammation is the body’s way of naturally protecting itself against harm. However, when inflammation stays in the body too long, the immune system is drained and the body finds it difficult to deal with illnesses.

Read on to learn about some common foods that cause inflammation and 10 foods that help fight it.

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Salmon is a great protein source that does not raise blood sugar levels and helps decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke. Salmon is very heart-healthy qualities because it contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which helps reduce triglyceride levels, a major risk factor for coronary heart disease.
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Yes, Oatmeal is high in starch, but high fiber content makes it a very healthy option. For the best fiber content, choose less processed oatmeal, which takes longer to cook. This soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol, improve blood pressure, stabilize glucose levels, and helps keep you full longer.
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​Sweet Potato is a true diabetic superfood. It contains a high amount of fiber which helps reduce bad cholesterol and stabilizes blood sugar levels all while lowering insulin resistance. Sweet Potatoes are a more healthy alternative to any other potato. Just pay close attention to your portion sizes and cut back on other starches.

Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber and help keep you feeling full longer, reducing between-meal snacking. You don’t have to sit down to a giant bowl of beans to see the benefits, just add some to your meals throughout the day.
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Apple Cider Vinegar - Research has shown that vinegar taken before or after a high-carbohydrate meal reduces blood sugar. The acetic acid in vinegar breaks down certain enzymes that turn starch into sugar. Vinegar also boosts the body's sensitivity to insulin.
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Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is rich in monounsaturated fats, which helps lower levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol. This is particularly important since diabetics have a higher risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke. EVOO is also rich in oleic acid, which helps reduce fat formation.
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​Dark Chocolate - Watching your blood sugar does not mean you have to give up dessert. Dark chocolate has surprising health benefits without spiking blood sugar. One ounce or square per day lowers the stress hormone cortisol and keeps sugar cravings at bay. Cacao is also rich in antioxidants, which help fight inflammation.

Green tea is an excellent source of EGCG, which helps reduce inflammation. Green tea does a wonderful job of shutting chronic inflammation. However, it isn't a miracle cure if you are eating poorly and consuming a lot of high saturated fats. Even though green tea is safe to consume for most people, it does contain caffeine, which can affect sleep, and drinking large amounts is not recommended. 

In addition, the compounds in green tea can interact negatively with certain medications such as; acetaminophen, codeine, verapamil, nadolol, tamoxifen, and bortezomib, so please check with your healthcare provider first.
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Walnuts are full of protein and fiber and even though they are high in calories, the fat is the healthy monounsaturated kind. The combination of fiber, healthy fats, and minerals in nuts can help decrease insulin resistance. Walnuts, almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds are the best choices.
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​Blueberries are an awesome choice for diabetics. They are packed with fiber, vitamin C, and flavonoids which help boost your immune system and fight off infections. Not only do they lower your cholesterol but they also keep your heart and arteries healthy.

Common foods linked to increasing inflammation:
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• Junk foods: fast food, convenience meals, potato chips, pretzels
• Refined carbohydrates: white bread, pasta, white rice, crackers, flour tortillas, biscuits
• Fried foods: french fries, donuts, fried chicken, mozzarella sticks, egg rolls
• Sugar-sweetened beverages: soda, sweet tea, energy drinks, sports drinks
• Processed meats: bacon, beef jerky, canned meat, salami, hot dogs, smoked meat
• Trans fats: shortening, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, margarine

This “Healthy” Green Veggie Inflames Type 2 Diabetes (VIDEO)

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