Research hasn't looked specifically at the anti-inflammatory benefits of eating…

Research hasn't looked specifically at the anti-inflammatory benefits of eating foods that are in season. "But it's generally accepted that eating what's in season is likely to be fresher, and there are obviously other benefits, including those for the environment," says Natalie McCormick, a research fellow in medicine at Harvard Medical School. Eating foods that are in season may also help your grocery bill. When it comes to anti-inflammatory foods, the goal should be to incorporate as many as you can into your overall diet. "Our emphasis now is on eating patterns, because it seems that interactions between foods and their combinations have a greater effect than individual foods," says McCormick. Three diets in particular, she says, contain the right mix of elements: The Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index. These diets are similar in that they put an emphasis on foods that are also known to be anti-inflammatory. But just as importantly, these diets also eliminate foods that can decrease levels of inflammatory markers inside the body, including a substance called C-reactive protein. Mixing and matching different foods from these diets can help you tailor an anti-inflammatory approach that fits your personal tastes, as you can choose the freshest in-season offerings. Whole grains, legumes, and heart-healthy oils can be year-round staples, but mix and match your fruits and vegetables for more variety.