Anti-Inflammatory Diet Emphasizes Whole Foods for Cardiovascular Health
An anti-inflammatory diet, primarily modeled after the Mediterranean diet, focuses on consuming vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, and fish. It advocates for reduced intake of refined grains, sugary drinks, and processed meats. This dietary pattern is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and has been shown to modestly decrease inflammatory blood markers, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). While not a single rigid protocol, it represents a family of eating patterns centered on minimally processed plant-based foods, unsaturated fats, and limited added sugars and refined starches. The DASH diet, designed to lower blood pressure, is a close cousin that shares many similarities. The scientific evidence supporting this approach is robust, with the PREDIMED trial demonstrating a significant reduction in major cardiovascular events.