The Everyday Anti-Inflammatory Foods a Nutritionist Says Could Help Ease Chronic Pain

A new study has found that improving diet could help reduce chronic musculoskeletal pain, highlighting the powerful role food plays in supporting overall well-being.

The study, published in the European Journal of Nutrition was carried out by researchers from the University of South Australia. The study investigated whether improving diet quality could reduce chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) and whether any pain changes were due only to weight/fat loss.

Key findings from the study include:

• Chronic musculoskeletal pain prevalence dropped from 50% to 24% among participants.
• Pain severity decreased, and quality of life improved
• Weight loss averaged about 7.1 kg over three months 

The study also found that people with higher-quality diets, rich in whole, unprocessed foods, are less likely to experience persistent musculoskeletal pain, a condition that affects millions in the UK.

And now, experts from food delivery box providers Green Chef are spotlighting the study’s findings to encourage awareness around the benefits of anti-inflammatory foods. Ingredients such as leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, nuts, and olive oil are known to reduce inflammation and may contribute to alleviating symptoms when incorporated into everyday meals.

Senior Recipe Development Manager and Registered Nutritionist at Green Chef, Lily Keeling, commented: “While diet can be a powerful tool in managing inflammation and supporting long-term health, it should be seen as part of a holistic approach alongside medical advice and treatments. At Green Chef, we’re committed to making it easier for people to enjoy balanced, nourishing meals that fit their lifestyle and dietary preferences.”

Chronic musculoskeletal pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, impacting quality of life and productivity. With growing evidence linking food and inflammation, the findings offer hope for simple, everyday changes that can complement professional care.

Green Chef makes it easy for households to integrate more anti-inflammatory ingredients into their weekly meals through carefully crafted recipes designed by expert chefs and nutritionists. Customers can choose from a variety of plans, including keto, vegetarian, vegan, low-carb, and balanced, ensuring flexibility and accessibility.

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