Folha do Estado | 7 anti-inflammatory foods that help you lose weight after Easter

Whether in the form of eggs, bars or chocolates, chocolate is one of the great foods that symbolize Easter. For many, this commemorative date opens the door to a high consumption of sweets, without thinking about the consequences. However, excessive intake of the treat can end up resulting in an immediate inflammatory process in the body, and, consequently, swelling.

Speaking to CNN, Ramiele Calmon, a nutritionist with a master’s degree in food safety, explains that excess chocolate during the Easter period can contribute to the inflammatory process due to factors such as high sugar content, increased saturated fat and the preservatives used in the candy.

“These chocolates have a high refined sugar content, which can increase blood glucose levels, triggering an inflammatory response in the body”, explains the professional.

According to her, such an inflammatory response may occur due to the body’s resistance to acute phase insulin, originating from inflammatory cytokines (cells that promote inflammation), which interfere with normal processes, preventing this hormone from working efficiently.

Ramiele explains that this results in a temporary increase in blood glucose levels, since the cells are unable to adequately absorb this increase in insulin, and therefore the inflammatory process increases.

Saturated fat, present mainly in processed chocolates, is associated with the inflammatory process, if consumed in excess.

“Another point is that excessive chocolate consumption at this time of year ends up resulting in a nutritional imbalance, thus increasing the inflammatory process in the intestine and reducing nutrient absorption”, says Ramiele.

The nutritionist lists 7 foods for CNN that will help you reduce inflammation after Easter. Check out!

7 foods that will help you lose weight after Easter

• Extra virgin olive oil

“It is a source of monosaturated fats, and has antioxidant action. Additionally, it has potent anti-inflammatory properties.”

“Rich in catechins, a nutrient with strong oxidizing action, they help reduce the inflammatory process and protect cells from “oxidative stress” – the state our body goes through when antioxidant levels are not high enough – after Easter.”

“The main active compound in turmeric, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps reduce inflammation caused by diseases related to chronic inflammatory processes.”

“The active ingredient is gingerol, which is a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ginger can reduce inflammation and, above all, is very interesting for relieving joint and muscle pain and inflammation in the intestine.”

“Dark leafy greens, such as kale, spinach, chicory, chard, arugula and chard, are rich in sulforaphane, which has anti-inflammatory properties. So, adding dark green leafy vegetables to your routine is interesting for the de-inflammation process.”

“Especially walnuts and almonds, as they are a source of healthy fats, such as omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which reduce the inflammatory process.”

“Fruits such as blueberry, goodberry, raspberry and blueberries have antioxidant action, anthocyanins and flavonoids that fight inflammation and also reduce “oxidative stress”.