ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses some common types of foods, condiments, berries, and beverages that are rich in antioxidants and that are generally considered safe to consume and healthful, which meet specific needs. These are selected primarily on the basis that they help combat chronic systemic inflammation, a well-known, reliable generator of a consistent and dense stream of free radicals. The term "functional foods" was chosen rather than supplements, or nutraceuticals, to distance this category from the common definition of those terms. Inflammation is the natural reaction of the body to infection by bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc., to toxins, or to physical, chemical, or traumatic injury. One way to assess the severity of inflammation is by observing C-reactive protein (CRP), principal among the biomarkers of inflammation. It is a protein made by the liver and released into the blood within a few hours after tissue injury, after the start of an infection, or following other causes of inflammation.
