Why You Should Eat these Foods to Keep your Lungs Healthy a Little Every Day

 

 

 

We often neglect the role our lungs play and, get concerned after experiencing breathing problems. Just like any other part of the body, our lungs need care too for proper functioning. When you breathe, the body cells get oxygenated. If you are insufficient oxygen, you are more prone to health problems, such as respiratory illnesses, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or even heart disease.
The general body requires a well-balanced diet to keep it strong and healthy. There are foods you can eat to keep your lungs healthy and strong.
You can add the following foods to your diet to keep your lungs healthy.

Foods to consume to have healthy lungs

Water

Water plays a vital role in our general well-being. It keeps blood flowing to and from the lungs. Water also hydrates our lungs and keeps mucus flowing. The mucus blanket helps protect the lungs and, this is by trapping foreign particles before entering the lungs through the nose during normal breathing.

Green tea

Green tea has impressive health effects. It contains Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which boosts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may inhibit fibrosis or scarring of tissues. Pulmonary fibrosis is a health condition characterized by damage to the lung tissues. Some research suggests that EGCG may help treat this disease.

Ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and helps eliminate pollutants from the lungs. It can also help de-congest and unclog air passages hence boosting lung health and improving breathing.

Olive oil

Olive oil consumption may help protect against respiratory conditions such as asthma. Olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants such as polyphenols and vitamin E. A research study that included 800 people found that high olive oil intake caused a reduced asthma risk.

Cruciferous vegetables

Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and kale may halt lung cancer progression and reduce the risk of developing lung cancer by half. These vegetables are rich in chlorophyll that helps clean and build blood and, they are also high in effective antioxidants.

 

Broccoli

Cabbage

Kale

 

Cauliflower

Carrots

Carrots are a healthy and crunchy snack high in vitamins A and C, lycopene, and antioxidants that lower the chances of developing lung disease. Research shows that drinking carrot juice may help prevent damage that leads to lung cancer in smokers.

Carrots

Garlic and onions

Not only do garlic and onions spice food, but they also reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and fight infection. Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties. One study found that smokers who ate raw garlic had a reduced lung cancer risk compared to those who did not eat raw garlic.

Garlic

Onions

 

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is high in beta carotene, vitamin C and, antioxidants that may help combat prostate and lung cancers. It also contains fiber and potassium.

Pumpkins

Apples

Apples highly contain flavonoids, vitamin E, and vitamin C that help the lungs function at their best. Apples highly contain antioxidants which can help keep your lungs healthy.

 

Grapes

Naringin flavonoid inhibits the activation of a cancer-causing enzyme. White grapefruit and pink grapefruit contain flavonoids though pink grapefruit contains antioxidant lycopene. Grapefruit helps cleanse the lungs after quitting smoking. The fruit is 92% water meaning it can keep you hydrated, supporting your overall health.

 

Yogurt

Yogurt highly contains calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and selenium, which may help boost lung function and protect against the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Coffee

Not only does coffee boost your energy levels, but it may also protect your lungs. Coffee contains caffeine and antioxidants, which may benefit lung health.

Turmeric

Not only does turmeric spice food, but it also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin is the main active component in turmeric and, it may support lung function.

 

Red bell pepper and Cayenne pepper

These mild peppers are high in vitamin C and carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. Carotenoids may help reduce the risks of developing lung cancer. Cayenne pepper tea contains beta-carotene, which may reduce several symptoms associated with asthma.

 

Red bell pepper

Cayenne pepper

Summary

To keep your lungs healthy, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and follow a healthy diet. Some nutrients may improve breathing and keep the lungs healthy. By including the above foods in your diet and following a well-balanced lifestyle, it’s not just your lungs that benefit but your overall health.