There is new emerging evidence tying diet and inflamation to chronic disease.
The connection starts with there now being evidence linking chronic inflammation to the development of major chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. (A marker of inflammation commonly looked at in studies is a protein called HS-CRP, and this protein level has been found to predict the risk of diabetes more accurately than an elevated body mass index).
The connection continues when you examine the performance of diets like a Mediterranean diet pattern -- a diet rich in magnesium, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, flavanoids, and carotenoids -- compared to a North American or North European diet. The Mediterranean diet is noticeably richer in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, legumes, and healthy fats than northern and western diets. Diets rich in these foods and nutrients have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.
So markers of inflammation are linked to chronic disease, and diet is linked to inflammation -- so it is possible that a healthy diet can reduce inflammation, and possibly reduce the risk of developing certain chronic diseases.
Here are some links to other articles on the beneficial anti-inflammatory nutrients found in the Mediterranean diet pattern, and how to incorporate these nutrients into your diet in order to reduce your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes:
Sources:
Galland, L. Diet and Inflammation. Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2010;25(6):634-640.
