17 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Keep You Flexible When It's Freezing

9. Brussels Sprouts: Cruciferous Comfort Food

Brussels sprouts bring the benefits of cruciferous vegetables—sulforaphane and other phytochemicals that support the body’s antioxidant systems and may help moderate inflammation. These small cabbages are a winter staple that roast beautifully with a bit of olive oil and warming spices, which concentrates their flavor and makes them more appealing to picky eaters. Try tossing them with walnuts, a splash of balsamic, and a pinch of turmeric for a seasonal side that pairs well with salmon or roasted squash. If fresh sprouts are hard to find, frozen versions retain much of their nutrition and simply need roasting or steaming. Including a variety of cruciferous vegetables across the week helps bring a range of beneficial compounds into the diet, supporting joint health as part of a balanced pattern (VeryWellHealth).

10. Steel-Cut Oats: Hearty Whole-Grain Warm-Ups

Steel-cut oats are a whole grain that delivers fiber, slow-release energy, and compounds that support a healthy gut microbiome—an important partner in the body’s inflammatory balance. A warm bowl of steel-cut oats is an ideal winter breakfast because it keeps you satisfied and provides a base for anti-inflammatory toppings like walnuts, tart cherries, and a drizzle of olive oil or nut butter. For busy mornings, soak oats overnight for quicker cooking or cook a large batch to reheat through the week. Keeping blood sugar steadier with whole grains can help reduce spikes that are sometimes linked to inflammation. Adding spices like cinnamon and a spoonful of ground flax or chia seeds increases the anti-inflammatory profile of a simple breakfast (VeryWellHealth).