Lungs - one of the major powerhouses of our body requires as much care as we can give it. An average person may take more than 672 million breaths during their lifetime and it is paramount that proper care is taken to preserve the organ responsible for each of these breaths.
While it’s always better to start taking care of your lungs from a young age, significant improvements to your lung health can be made even if you start a little late.
One of the easiest ways to do that is to eat foods that help cleanse and safeguard your lungs.
We’ll discuss a few of them below. Add these items to your weekly meal plan for the best results.
- Apples - An apple a day keeps the lung infection at bay! Apples are rich in Vitamin C, E, beta-carotene and are also packed with antioxidants that help you keep your lungs healthy.
- Broccoli - Scientists from some institutions have made it their mission to understand the disease-deterring benefits of a compound found in broccoli. The compound, called Sulforaphane, is plentiful in broccoli. It produces enzymes that might protect you against asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory illnesses.
- Fish - Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish, ensure your lungs stay clean, decrease inflammation and help regulate the pulmonary system. Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are all good sources of Omega-3.
- Blueberries - Blueberry and Acai are some of the most effective fruits to keep your lungs healthy. They are a great source of vitamin C and protect your lungs from damage and also reduce the risk of developing lung diseases. You can also add grapes, strawberries, and cranberries to your diet.
- Veggies - Add more colors to your plate with spinach, broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, garlic, and ginger. They relieve congestion, unclog air passages, and improve circulation to the lungs.
- Tomatoes - Lycopene, found in tomatoes, is a powerful antioxidant that promotes lung health. A study found that adults who ate two tomatoes per day displayed lesser lung decline compared to those who ate one or lesser. They're also a great source of vitamin C, which has been shown to reduce inflammation due to autoimmune diseases.
- Citrus Fruits - Citrus fruits, especially oranges and lemons, are amazing sources of antioxidants and Vitamin C. The latter helps in boosting immunity and fights against respiratory infections. Fruits rich in Vitamin C also help reduce wheezing in children and optimize lung functions as per a few recent studies.
- Garlic - Garlic contains a natural compound called Allicin which destroys bacteria that cause dangerous lung infections. Garlic is believed to reduce damage to the lungs caused by smoking and pollution.
Good health starts with what you eat. The food you eat can drastically affect your health.
Respiratory diseases can often be tough to handle, but you can prevent a lot of them with the right diet. The right mix of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle helps you keep your lungs healthy.