4 foods that cause DNA-damaging inflammation in your body

Processed meats are meats that have been modified through curing, salting, smoking, or adding preserving chemicals. 

Some examples of processed meats are:

• Bacon.
• Deli meats.
• Hot dogs.
• Beef jerky.
• Chicken nuggets.

Both processed and red meats tend to be high in saturated fat. Studies have found that eating fatty processed and red meats may cause weight gain and inflammation.

Many common cooking oils contain a type of fat called omega-6 fatty acids . Omega-6 fats aren't necessarily bad — your body uses them for energy and normal growth.

But your omega-6 fats need to be in a careful balance with omega-3 fats that you can get from foods like salmon, mackerel, and flaxseed. If you eat too much omega-6 fat, it can throw off this balance, which triggers inflammation.

Some common cooking oils that contain omega-6 fats include:

• Corn oil.
• Canola oil.
• Sunflower oil.
• Safflower oil.
• Peanut oil.

Fried foods like chicken nuggets, doughnuts, and french fries are big inflammation culprits for several reasons, including:

• Fried foods tend to have high levels of omega-6 fatty acids.
• Fried foods produce compounds in the body called advanced glycation end products, also known as AGEs. These compounds directly stimulate inflammation in the body.

There are also many anti-inflammatory foods that can help fight chronic inflammation. These foods are rich in key compounds like antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids that work to reduce your levels of inflammatory proteins.

Some key anti-inflammatory foods to add to your diet include:

• Fatty fish.
• Extra-virgin olive oil.
• Fruits and veggies like oranges, broccoli, and peppers.
• Nuts.
• Berries.
• Tomatoes.