SHENZHEN is witnessing a rising trend in the adoption of the anti-inflammatory diet, as more individuals are embracing this healthy eating approach to combat chronic inflammation and enhance their overall well-being.

The anti-inflammatory diet focuses on reducing pro-inflammatory factors within the body and increasing anti-inflammatory elements through food choices, aimed at alleviating conditions linked with long-term inflammation such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

Local residents are increasingly opting for this dietary lifestyle by carefully selecting anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric powder, chia seeds, and dark leafy greens. This shift towards a more health-conscious diet is fueled by a growing awareness of the impact of nutrition on health, prompting many to prioritize wholesome, anti-inflammatory foods over medications for managing health conditions.

On various social media platforms, numerous bloggers are recommending anti-inflammatory diets to their followers based on their positive experiences.

“I used to feel fatigued due to work stress and irregular eating and sleeping habits. After joining a WeChat group promoting the diet, I started practicing it,” said Li Wei, a primary school teacher following the anti-inflammatory diet for three months. “The diet has significantly helped in relieving my fatigue.”

Xu Yuna, a fitness enthusiast, also found benefits from the anti-inflammatory diet. Facing issues like facial acne and constipation with unsatisfactory results from medication, Xu Yuna explored the concept of ‘chronic inflammation’ linked to long-term dietary imbalances.

She decided to adjust her dietary habits, including incorporating deep-sea fish, olive oil, and whole grains. These changes not only improved her acne but also positively impacted her medical examination results.

Zeng Yaochi, director of the Nutrition Department at Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, emphasizes the long-term benefits of adhering to an anti-inflammatory diet. This approach not only helps in reducing chronic inflammation and preventing diseases but also supports individuals in enhancing their overall health status. It is advised that individuals with specific health concerns consult healthcare professionals to tailor their dietary plans for optimal results.

The increasing popularity of the anti-inflammatory diet has led to the introduction of various anti-inflammatory foods in restaurants and cafes across Shenzhen. Consumers are enjoying menu items rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber, catering to their health-conscious preferences.

Businesses have promptly responded to the market demands by introducing a variety of anti-inflammatory dishes.

At a restaurant in central Futian District, menu items such as turmeric chicken salad, tuna avocado rice bowl, and barley winter melon tea have been well-received, constituting a significant portion of the total sales.

The consumer interest in anti-inflammatory concepts has also extended to beverages in coffee and tea shops. Offerings like kale juice, kefir avocado strawberry, and anthocyanin blueberry have gained popularity. A café in Nanshan’s Science and Technology Park introduced a new beverage named Turmeric Latte, catering to the demand for anti-inflammatory properties.

The Turmeric Latte, sprinkled with turmeric powder and cinnamon, has become a favorite among young female white-collar workers, with sales volumes surpassing those of regular lattes during autumn and winter.(Windy Shao)