arch nemesis, systemic inflammation, and
reduce your risk for lifestyle-related disorders
—stroke, coronary heart disease, and certain
types of cancer.
Vegetables (and fruit, which we’ll get to
soon) are a rich source of many nutrients and
active compounds. Their benefits can’t be
explained by a single component, like their
vitamin C or fiber content. However, their
anti-inflammatory properties are often
attributed to the fact that vegetables provide
the richest source of antioxidants, which
prevent or reverse damage caused by excess
free radicals.*
So how does our free radical balance get
unbalanced?
Some free radical production is instigated
by external sources, like pollution, smoking,
radiation, and exposure to sunlight. Others can
be created from our food, particularly when
we consume certain types of fats—remember