Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fats, is one of the healthiest fats available. Integral to the Mediterranean diet, it offers numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease, brain cancer, obesity, and other severe conditions.
Studies reveal that following a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil can notably decrease inflammatory markers. The antioxidant oleocanthal in olive oil exhibits effects similar to anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. Notably, extra virgin olive oil outperforms refined olive oils regarding anti-inflammatory benefits.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are renowned for their tangy taste and vibrant color. They do not just add color to your burgers; they bring a lot of essential vitamins to the table. Brimming with vitamin C, potassium, and, notably, lycopene, they stand out for their impressive anti-inflammatory properties.
Lycopene, a prominent carotenoid found in tomatoes, holds promise in reducing the presence of pro-inflammatory compounds associated with various types of cancers— especially Cancer of the Prostate. Interestingly, lycopene absorption can be optimized by cooking tomatoes in conjunction with olive oil. This pairing enhances the body’s uptake of lycopene, as this carotenoid is better absorbed when consumed alongside a source of healthy fats. [6]
