Plant foods have been shown to have beneficial effects against inflammation. This may relate to the phytochemicals they contain, many of which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. For example, coconut oil may be anti-inflammatory in nature because the high levels of medium chain triglycerides in the oil can increase ketone body production, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. Catechins from green tea have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, possibly through their roles as antioxidants. In one study subjects with multiple sclerosis, a serious illness characterised by inflammation, were administered both coconut oil and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). The results of the study showed that the coconut oil and EGCG were effective at reducing the inflammation in the patients. The researchers also observed that the coconut oil and EGCG was significantly effective at reducing the anxiety experienced by the patients. As anxiety may result from inflammation, this was not a surprising finding.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
