In the recent news, when actor Vidya Balan said that she lost weight by following an anti-inflammatory diet, it suddenly made curious about such foods. For the unversed, Vidya said, “You know, all my life, I’ve struggled to be thin. I’ve dieted and exercised relentlessly. Sometimes I’d lose weight, but it would always come back. Then, early this year, I met a nutrition group called Amura (Amura Health) in Chennai. They told me it’s just inflammation, not fat. So, they put me on an anti-inflammatory diet, and it worked beautifully – the weight just fell off as they removed foods that didn’t suit me.”
Vidya also mentioned she hasn’t worked out at all this year, yet the anti-inflammatory diet has helped her lose extra kilos.
So, if you are also concerned about losing weight with an anti-inflammatory diet, scroll down to read what it means and how such foods help in the process.
What is an anti-inflammatory diet?
As per experts, an anti-inflammatory diet focuses on foods that may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is often linked to chronic conditions like arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. The aim is to incorporate nutrient-rich, whole foods that provide antioxidants, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals while avoiding foods that can contribute to inflammation.
Reasons for inflammation
As per experts, the most common cause of inflammation, apart from injury or illness, is a poor diet. It is said that unhealthy habits, irregular work hours, stress together can lead to inflammation. Another cause of inflammation is stress hormones like cortisol.
Anti-inflammatory diet
As per experts, this diet is rich in fruits, such as berries, and vegetables, such as spinach, turmeric, and ginger, which lowers inflammation. Take a look at some of the common foods that one can add in this diet.

Berries
Berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or blackberries, have anti-inflammatory properties. They are also packed with antioxidants called anthocyanins. These compounds have anti-inflammatory effects that may help the body produce natural killer cells (NK cells) and keep you safe from chronic health conditions.
Cruciferous vegetables
Vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower are loaded with nutrients like folate, vitamin K, and fiber. Apart from containing antioxidants that may have anti-inflammatory effects on the body, they also help decrease the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Green tea
Green tea is also known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help lose weight and can also reduce inflammation. It is said that green tea makes for a healthy drink because of the substance called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) found in it.

Tomatoes
This red-coloured food is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, which has an antioxidant with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. This compound is also said to reduce pro-inflammatory compounds that are often linked with different kinds of cancer.
Coconut oil
As per experts, adding coconut oil to your daily diet may reduce markers of oxidative stress and inflammation.
Olive oil
It is also said that olive oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can aid with weight loss.
Turmeric
This yellow-coloured spice is rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It is said to reduce the inflammation caused due to diabetes, arthritis, and metabolic, and auto-immune diseases. It is also rich in curcumin, which when combined with black pepper can boost curcumin absorption by 2000 percent.
Pepper
Bell peppers and chilli peppers are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory effects and can help improve health in many ways. Bell peppers are rich in an antioxidant called quercetin, which is said to reduce oxidative damage in people suffering from sarcoidosis.

Nuts
Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews are a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids and also contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that may help reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Dark Chocolate
It is also packed with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. It is also rich in zinc that helps boost immunity. It is proven to contain flavanols, a compound that has anti-inflammatory effects and keeps the lining of arteries healthy.