Abstract
Chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to the development of many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, some types of cancer, autoimmune diseases, and even depression and obesity-related metabolic syndrome. Foods rich in salicylates may constitute the basis of prevention of diseases that are caused by low-grade inflammation. Considering the special properties of salicylic acid and dietary salicylates, the principles of a high-salicylate diet have been developed as a diet with potential anti-inflammatory properties (S-Diet). Salicylates are mainly found in foods of plant origin, hence recommendations to increase the proportion of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and herbs and spices in meals appear to be key in an anti-inflammatory diet. In addition, these food products are sources of other bioactive compounds with potential synergistic effects. Further research is needed to confirm both the safety as well as the therapeutic efficacy of high-salicylate diets.