Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory Foods that Promote Weight Loss

Many people are thinking about the extra pounds that we, unfortunately, gained over the long winter period. Certainly, the pandemic did not help that situation and perhaps we found that our New Year weight loss resolution just fell through. So here are some excellent foods that are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients that will help with both weight loss and wellness. You will be one step closer to your vacation!

Boost Weight Loss & Wellness With These Powerful Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory Foods

1. Berries -

Berries, such as bilberry, blueberry, cranberry, raspberry, chokeberry, and strawberry, are loaded with polyphenols that promote antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. My favorite polyphenol is flavonoids, like anthocyanins, which are perfect for helping during periods of inflammation and stress. 

Berries also contain resveratrol which has been linked to lower inflammation and cellular repair. Berries have been shown in many research studies to improve our cholesterol, lower our blood pressure, and improve our metabolism. A bonus is that many are also high in fiber.

2. Walnuts – 

Walnuts are mainly known as being a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which is excellent for decreasing our cardiovascular risk. They are packed with a high amount of mono and polyunsaturated fats. But a more interesting finding a few years ago showed people in a trial who consumed a walnut smoothie versus those who didn’t have both a decreased appetite and a greater ability to resist unhealthy food cues. It is believed that walnuts activate a part of our brain involved in appetite and impulse control – the insula.

Walnuts are also great sources for magnesium and vitamin E, so add this to your breakfast or as a snack option in between meals. 

3. Avocado – 

Although avocados seem to be a fad currently, they are great for weight loss and wellness. Avocados are high in fiber which helps you feel fuller faster and are great for helping us maintain a regular digestive process. Avocados are packed with numerous vitamins and minerals – especially those that are known for being largely antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, for example, vitamins C and E.

4. Turmeric –

Turmeric is a staple to many cuisines across the world with his home rooted in Ayurveda, which is traditional Indian medicine. It is an excellent source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories because of a compound in it called curcumin. Curcumin has been linked to promoting weight loss and increasing your metabolism by improving your body’s response to insulin and helping increase energy burn-off. It may also be linked to increasing your body’s level of adiponectin which has a role in breaking down unhealthy fatty acids and improving your sugar levels.

5. Leafy Greens -

Kale, spinach, swiss chard, and arugula are great high nutrient leafy greens that are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients that can help for weight loss. The biggest benefit I believe is beta carotene, vitamin C, and calcium in leafy greens, but they are also great sources of magnesium and folate. Calcium-rich foods have been linked to improving our metabolism and aid in burning off lingering fat more intensely. Add to this the fiber benefit which helps you feel fuller faster, leafy greens are a great pick to add to your daily diet

Interested in learning more about great foods that can reduce inflammation?

Check out our post about the health benefits of ginger and turmeric shots!

Further Readings and References:

30 Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Berry Good for Your Heart

Walnuts for Weight Loss

Why Walnuts May Help With Weight Loss

8 Avocado Health Benefits That Prove It’s a Perfect Weight Loss Food