Anti-inflammatory foods: How to protect your health with anti-inflammatory foods

Posted: May 27, 2025

Inflammatory reactions are a natural protective mechanism of the body. However, when they get out of control, they can contribute to seious illnesses. More and more scientific studies show that with the right foods, you can actively help to slow down inflammatory reactions in the body and strengthen your health in the long term.

In this guide, you will learn why inflammatory processes occur, how to recognise chronic inflammatory diseases and, above all, which foods have anti-inflammatory properties and play an important role in our health.

 

Contents

anti-inflammatory foods

Why does inflammation occur in the body - and when does it become dangerous? 

When pathogens, injuries or harmful stimuli enter our body, the immune system triggers a defensive response: inflammation.
Specialised cells, such as mast cells, which release inflammatory messengers, or leukocytes, i.e. white blood cells, which fight the intruders, activate a sophisticated defence system. Other helpers include dendritic cells, which detect harmful substances and coordinate the immune response.

Such acute inflammations are vital. They help fight infections and heal injuries.
However, problems arise when the inflammation does not subside and becomes chronic. The immune system then mistakenly attacks the body's own tissue – with devastating consequences.
Chronic inflammation is now associated with diseases such as arteriosclerosis and arthritis, type 2 diabetes, rheumatism, Crohn's disease, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's) and even cancer.

Do you know the 20 most effective herbs for fighting inflammation? Find out more here

 

Oxidative stress - how free radicals exacerbate chronic inflammation

An important term in connection with inflammation is oxidative stress. It describes an imbalance between harmful oxygen molecules, known as free radicals, and the body's defence mechanisms.
Free radicals are caused by environmental toxins, stress, poor nutrition or even strenuous physical activity. They can damage cells, proteins and even DNA. All of this further fuels inflammatory processes.
Normally, antioxidants neutralise these free radicals. However, if the balance is disrupted, oxidative stress occurs and inflammatory diseases can develop.

But: Certain foods are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that can neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body!

 

Anti-inflammatory diet - how anti-inflammatory foods affect our health

More and more studies show that our diet plays a decisive role in whether inflammation is promoted or inhibited.

The following factors in particular have a positive impact:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Anti-inflammatory fatty acids found in oily fish and some plant sources.
  • Polyphenols: Plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Fibre: Feeds beneficial gut bacteria and strengthens the intestinal barrier.

At the same time, you should avoid foods that promote inflammation.

 



Which foods are anti-inflammatory?

1. Fish: Omega-3 powerhouses

Antientzündliche Lebensmittel - Fisch

Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring are rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA. Unsaturated fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the formation of molecules that promote inflammation, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
Studies show that regular consumption of fish can reduce inflammation levels and significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis.


 Herbano tip: Look for wild fish from sustainable sources. It often contains more omega-3 than farmed fish.


 

2. Soy products: Plant-based protein for gut health

anti-inflammatory food - soy products

Tofu, tempeh and other soy products are not only excellent sources of protein, but also contain specific peptides and isoflavones that can have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Studies show that switching from animal protein to plant protein, especially soy, strengthens the intestinal mucosal barrier and reduces inflammation markers.


Herbano tip: Choose unsweetened and organic soy products whenever possible to avoid additives!


 

3. Fermented dairy products: Probiotic helpers

anti-inflammatory food - fermented dairy products

Yoghurt, kefir, sour milk and some mature cheeses contain live probiotic cultures such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. These "good" bacteria can improve the balance of the intestinal flora, promote anti-inflammatory defence cells and curb the production of pro-inflammatory substances. Fermented foods, especially fermented dairy products, should therefore be a staple of any anti-inflammatory diet.


➤ Did you know: Healthy gut flora is closely linked to a healthy immune system – around 70% of all immune cells are found in the gut!



➤ Discover probiotics for the gut now!

 

4. Fruit and vegetables: Colourful variety for maximum antioxidants

anti-inflammatory food - fruit and vegetables

Berries (such as blueberries, raspberries and blackberries), apples, mangoes and kiwis are rich in vitamin C, polyphenols and fibre, which have proven antioxidant properties.
Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, spinach and Brussels sprouts also contain secondary plant compounds such as sulforaphane and lycopene, which block inflammatory signalling pathways and can therefore prevent inflammation.


Herbano tip: Try to combine different colours on your plate. Each colour represents different protective substances.


 

5. Nuts and seeds: Small powerhouses for everyday life

anti-inflammatory food - nuts and seeds

Almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts and pistachios contain high-quality fatty acids as well as antioxidants such as vitamin E and secondary plant substances.
Particularly exciting: studies show that walnuts not only reduce inflammation, but can also have a positive effect on the intestinal flora. Chia seeds and flax seeds provide additional plant-based omega-3 fatty acids and valuable fibre, which strengthen the intestines.


Herbano tip: Look for natural, unsalted nuts and always grind flaxseed fresh to preserve the valuable fatty acids.


 

6. Olive oil: Liquid gold with antioxidant power

anti-inflammatory food - olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols such as hydroxytyrosol. These ingredients have antioxidant properties, protect cells from free radicals and have been proven to reduce inflammation markers in the blood.Im Rahmen der As part of the Mediterranean diet, one of the most widely studied diets, olive oil plays one of the most important roles in protecting against chronic inflammation.


Herbano Tip: Olive oil is best used cold, e.g. in salads or for gentle sautéing. 


 

7. Green tea: An anti-inflammatory classic from the Far East

anti-inflammatory food - green tea

Green tea and matcha are veritable treasure troves of catechins, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). This is a polyphenol with powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies indicate that EGCG blocks inflammatory pathways in cells, reduces oxidative stress and promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.


➤ Herbano tip: Drink 2-3 cups of freshly brewed green tea every day – preferably not too hot, to preserve the valuable polyphenols.


 

Inflammatory foods - Which foods are best to avoid

Unfortunately, there are also numerous foods that fuel inflammatory processes in the body:

  • Red and processed meat: Sulphur compounds and ammonia put strain on the gut
  • Sugar-rich products: Increase oxidative stress and intestinal permeability
  • Sweetened drinks: Damage the intestinal barrier and promote inflammation
  • Ready meals: Processed foods often contain emulsifiers that attack the microbiome
  • Alcohol: Increases the permeability of the intestinal mucosa
  • Margarine, sunflower oil: High omega-6 content promotes inflammatory signalling substances


➤ Would you like to learn more about inflammation in the body? Read here to find out more! 

 

Conclusion: Anti-inflammatory diet

Chronic inflammation, such as rheumatism or arthritis, often develops unnoticed but can be effectively influenced.
With the right choice of anti-inflammatory foods, sufficient exercise and stress management, you can slow down inflammatory processes and strengthen your health in the long term.

Focus on a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods that contain polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids and fibre, and lay the foundation for a healthier life every day!

 

Herbano Extra: Anti-inflammatory dishes for every day

Want to get started right away and harness the power of anti-inflammatory foods? Here are some simple recipe ideas that will support your health – quick to prepare, varied and delicious!

anti-inflammatory recipes

 

 

Research credentials

Sources :

Campmans-Kuijpers, M. J. E., & Dijkstra, G. (2021). Food and Food Groups in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): The Design of the Groningen Anti-Inflammatory Diet (GrAID). Nutrients, 13(4), 1067. doi:10.3390/nu13041067

Di Lorenzo, C., Dell'Agli, M., Badea, M., Dima, L., Colombo, E., Sangiovanni, E., Restani, P., & Bosisio, E. (2013). Plant food supplements with anti-inflammatory properties: a systematic review (II). Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 53(5), 507–516. doi:10.1080/10408398.2012.691916

Serafini, M., & Peluso, I. (2016). Functional Foods for Health: The Interrelated Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Role of Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs, Spices and Cocoa in Humans. Current pharmaceutical design, 22(44), 6701–6715. doi:10.2174/1381612823666161123094235

Aune D. (2019). Plant Foods, Antioxidant Biomarkers, and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer, and Mortality: A Review of the Evidence. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), 10(Suppl_4), S404–S421. doi:10.1093/advances/nmz042

Pinela, J., Dias, M. I., Pereira, C., & Alonso-Esteban, J. I. (2024). Antioxidant Activity of Foods and Natural Products. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 29(8), 1814. doi:10.3390/molecules29081814

Shahidi F. (2000). Antioxidant factors in plant foods and selected oilseeds. BioFactors (Oxford, England), 13(1-4), 179–185.  doi:10.1002/biof.5520130129