Anti-Inflammatory Fats & Oils Guide
23 items classified under standard Anti-Inflammatory guidelines.
How do fats & oils fare on the Anti-Inflammatory diet? The answer depends on inflammatory profile. This guide breaks down all 23 items in this category with their classification, nutritional data, and the reasoning behind each status.
Quick Reference
| Food | Status | Calories (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado Oil | Allowed | 884kcal |
| Flaxseed Oil | Allowed | 884kcal |
| Olive Oil | Allowed | 900kcal |
| Sesame Oil | Allowed | 884kcal |
| Walnut Oil | Allowed | 884kcal |
| Beef Tallow | Limited | 198kcal |
| Butter | Limited | 717kcal |
| Coconut Oil | Limited | 895kcal |
| Cooking Spray | Limited | 792kcal |
| Duck Fat | Limited | 136kcal |
| Ghee | Limited | 876kcal |
| Heavy Cream | Limited | 340kcal |
| MCT Oil | Limited | 884kcal |
| Canola Oil | Not Allowed | 900kcal |
| Grapeseed Oil | Not Allowed | 884kcal |
| Lard | Not Allowed | 902kcal |
| Margarine | Not Allowed | 579kcal |
| Palm Oil | Not Allowed | 134kcal |
| Peanut Oil | Not Allowed | 900kcal |
| Safflower Oil | Not Allowed | 900kcal |
| Shortening | Not Allowed | 884kcal |
| Sunflower Oil | Not Allowed | 900kcal |
| Vegetable Oil | Not Allowed | 862kcal |
Classification Breakdown
5 Allowed — These fats & oils are fits the anti-inflammatory pattern — produce, legumes, fatty fish, olive oil, nuts, herbs, or whole grains. 8 Limited — These items have effect depends on type, processing, or portion. 10 Not Allowed — These are a refined, processed, or industrial-oil-based food that promotes inflammation.
The anti-inflammatory pattern overlaps heavily with Mediterranean and works through omega-3s, polyphenols, and absence of refined carbohydrates.
Allowed Fats & Oils (5)
Avocado Oil
AllowedAt 884kcal calories per 100g, Avocado Oil falls into the Allowed category under Anti-Inflammatory guidelines. It is fits the anti-inflammatory pattern — produce, legumes, fatty fish, olive oil, nuts, herbs, or whole grains. Beyond the primary classification, avocado oil also provides 100g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Ghee and Flaxseed Oil for calories, ranking 10 of 23.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Flaxseed Oil
AllowedFlaxseed Oil is classified as Allowed on Anti-Inflammatory, with 884kcal calories per 100g. This means it is fits the anti-inflammatory pattern — produce, legumes, fatty fish, olive oil, nuts, herbs, or whole grains. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Avocado Oil and Sesame Oil for calories, ranking 11 of 23.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Olive Oil
AllowedWith 900kcal calories per 100g, Olive Oil earns a Allowed classification on Anti-Inflammatory. It is fits the anti-inflammatory pattern — produce, legumes, fatty fish, olive oil, nuts, herbs, or whole grains. Beyond the primary classification, olive oil also provides 100g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Coconut Oil at 895kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Virgin | 884kcal | 0g | 100g | 0g | 0g |
| Light/Refined | 884kcal | 0g | 100g | 0g | 0g |
Sesame Oil
AllowedSesame Oil is classified as Allowed on Anti-Inflammatory, with 884kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is fits the anti-inflammatory pattern — produce, legumes, fatty fish, olive oil, nuts, herbs, or whole grains. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Flaxseed Oil and Walnut Oil for calories, ranking 12 of 23.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Walnut Oil
AllowedAt 884kcal calories per 100g, Walnut Oil falls into the Allowed category under Anti-Inflammatory guidelines. The classification reflects that it is fits the anti-inflammatory pattern — produce, legumes, fatty fish, olive oil, nuts, herbs, or whole grains. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Sesame Oil and MCT Oil for calories, ranking 13 of 23.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Limited Fats & Oils (8)
Beef Tallow
LimitedWith 198kcal calories per 100g, Beef Tallow earns a Limited classification on Anti-Inflammatory. This means it is effect depends on type, processing, or portion. It also contains 14.7g protein and 14.9g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 23 items in this category, beef tallow sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Heavy Cream at 340kcal. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Butter
LimitedAt 717kcal calories per 100g, Butter falls into the Limited category under Anti-Inflammatory guidelines. It is effect depends on type, processing, or portion. Beyond the primary classification, butter also provides 81.1g fat and 643mg sodium per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Margarine and Cooking Spray for calories, ranking 6 of 23. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salted | 717kcal | 0.9g | 81.1g | 0.1g | 0g |
| Unsalted | 717kcal | 0.9g | 81.1g | 0.1g | 0g |
Coconut Oil
LimitedCoconut Oil is classified as Limited on Anti-Inflammatory, with 895kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is effect depends on type, processing, or portion. Nutritionally, it also delivers 99.1g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Shortening and Olive Oil for calories, ranking 17 of 23. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin (unrefined) | 892kcal | 0g | 99.1g | 0g | 0g |
| MCT Oil | 862kcal | 0g | 100g | 0g | 0g |
Cooking Spray
LimitedAt 792kcal calories per 100g, Cooking Spray falls into the Limited category under Anti-Inflammatory guidelines. The classification reflects that it is effect depends on type, processing, or portion. Nutritionally, it also delivers 78.7g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Butter and Vegetable Oil for calories, ranking 7 of 23. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Duck Fat
LimitedWith 136kcal calories per 100g, Duck Fat earns a Limited classification on Anti-Inflammatory. This means it is effect depends on type, processing, or portion. It also contains 18.7g protein, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 23 items in this category, duck fat sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Beef Tallow at 198kcal. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Ghee
LimitedWith 876kcal calories per 100g, Ghee earns a Limited classification on Anti-Inflammatory. It is effect depends on type, processing, or portion. Beyond the primary classification, ghee also provides 99.5g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Vegetable Oil and Avocado Oil for calories, ranking 9 of 23. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Heavy Cream
LimitedAt 340kcal calories per 100g, Heavy Cream falls into the Limited category under Anti-Inflammatory guidelines. It is effect depends on type, processing, or portion. Beyond the primary classification, heavy cream also provides 36.1g fat per 100g. Among the 23 items in this category, heavy cream sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Margarine at 579kcal. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Cream | 340kcal | 2.8g | 36.1g | 2.8g | 0g |
| Light Cream | 195kcal | 3g | 19.1g | 3.7g | 0g |
MCT Oil
LimitedAt 884kcal calories per 100g, MCT Oil falls into the Limited category under Anti-Inflammatory guidelines. The classification reflects that it is effect depends on type, processing, or portion. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Walnut Oil and Grapeseed Oil for calories, ranking 14 of 23. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Not Allowed Fats & Oils (10)
Canola Oil
Not AllowedAt 900kcal calories per 100g, Canola Oil falls into the Not Allowed category under Anti-Inflammatory guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a refined, processed, or industrial-oil-based food that promotes inflammation. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Olive Oil at 900kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Grapeseed Oil
Not AllowedAt 884kcal calories per 100g, Grapeseed Oil falls into the Not Allowed category under Anti-Inflammatory guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a refined, processed, or industrial-oil-based food that promotes inflammation. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between MCT Oil and Shortening for calories, ranking 15 of 23.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Lard
Not AllowedAt 902kcal calories per 100g, Lard falls into the Not Allowed category under Anti-Inflammatory guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a refined, processed, or industrial-oil-based food that promotes inflammation. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Sunflower Oil at 900kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Margarine
Not AllowedMargarine is classified as Not Allowed on Anti-Inflammatory, with 579kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is a refined, processed, or industrial-oil-based food that promotes inflammation. Nutritionally, it also delivers 65g fat and 694mg sodium per serving. Among the 23 items in this category, margarine sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Butter at 717kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Palm Oil
Not AllowedAt 134kcal calories per 100g, Palm Oil falls into the Not Allowed category under Anti-Inflammatory guidelines. This means it is a refined, processed, or industrial-oil-based food that promotes inflammation. Among the 23 items in this category, palm oil sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Duck Fat at 136kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Peanut Oil
Not AllowedPeanut Oil is classified as Not Allowed on Anti-Inflammatory, with 900kcal calories per 100g. This means it is a refined, processed, or industrial-oil-based food that promotes inflammation. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Canola Oil at 900kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Safflower Oil
Not AllowedWith 900kcal calories per 100g, Safflower Oil earns a Not Allowed classification on Anti-Inflammatory. It is a refined, processed, or industrial-oil-based food that promotes inflammation. Beyond the primary classification, safflower oil also provides 100g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Peanut Oil at 900kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Shortening
Not AllowedShortening is classified as Not Allowed on Anti-Inflammatory, with 884kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is a refined, processed, or industrial-oil-based food that promotes inflammation. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Grapeseed Oil and Coconut Oil for calories, ranking 16 of 23.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Sunflower Oil
Not AllowedSunflower Oil is classified as Not Allowed on Anti-Inflammatory, with 900kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is a refined, processed, or industrial-oil-based food that promotes inflammation. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Safflower Oil at 900kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Vegetable Oil
Not AllowedWith 862kcal calories per 100g, Vegetable Oil earns a Not Allowed classification on Anti-Inflammatory. This means it is a refined, processed, or industrial-oil-based food that promotes inflammation. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Cooking Spray and Ghee for calories, ranking 8 of 23.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central