Like all true hypochondriacs, we tend to be a little paranoid when it comes to illnesses. In fact, more often than not, whenever we feel sick we find ourselves reaching out to our best friend Runken, who is always close to the big medical guide book, ready to diagnose. Long story short: as of this writing, at one time or another, we’ve had every known disease. Looking back, we can laugh at it now. But while it was happening it was not fun, and the hardest thing was probably the feeling of powerlessness that came along with it.

However, we recently learned that all the diseases we’ve been worried about have a common component – chronic (also called low-grade) inflammation. Unlike an acute and transient inflammation, which has clear symptoms (like swollen cuticles or gums), chronic inflammation is prolonged, discreet and more difficult to detect.

Right now we’re also interested in a study published in the journal Public Health Nutrition. In it, the researchers have compiled results from 18 different studies, and have found that people who ate a vegetarian diet for at least two years reduced their levels of chronic inflammation, compared to people who didn’t eat a vegetarian diet. One indicator for low-grade inflammation is called CRP (a protein in the blood that can be analyzed to show whether or not you have an infection or inflammation in the body). In the study it was noted that the CRP decreased when an individual ate a vegetarian diet. The researchers believe that there are phytosterols and fibers in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes that suppress the inflammation.

So with all this in mind, we wanted to give a tip for all you hypochondriacs out there: eat lots of greens. Why not start with our green anti-inflammatory super smoothie with parsley?

Green anti-inflammatory super smoothie with parsley
(2 large glasses)

1 handful parsley
5 celery stalks with tops
1 whole apple, core and all
5 romaine salad leaves
1 avocado
1/2 lemon
Water (about 2 cups)

Mix all ingredients in a mixer. Done!

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