Easy ways to dodge 'inflammaging'

Facial puffiness is a telltale sign of chronic inflammation, which occurs when your immune system continues to fight even when the threat to your health has subsided. This constant activation of the immune system harms cells and accelerates aging, which is why experts have coined the term “inflammaging.” Taming chronic inflammation gives you more energy, cuts your risk of heart disease and stroke by up to 42% and curbs your risk of depression by 64%. Just…

- Melissa Gotthardt

Indulge in dark chocolate

Dark chocolate lovers, rejoice! An Italian study found enjoying 1 oz. of the sweet treat daily reduces inflammation by 34% in eight weeks. Experts say cocoa’s polyphenols defend against marauding molecules that increase inflammation. Plus, dark chocolate is a stellar source of fiber: 2 oz. provides 41% more fiber than a medium sized apple! That’s key since a University of Massachusetts study found people whose diets were high in fiber were 63% less likely to harbor high inflammation levels than those who skimped on the nutrient.

Tend to spring flowers

Spending 5 minutes planting colorful flowers or sowing seeds in your garden lowers inflammation by 50% almost instantly, say Korean researchers. Bacteria in soil produce a compound called geosmin. This soothes the stress that sends inflammation soaring. More good news: Related research in the journal