Best foods for healthy lungs

February 8, 2020 Grandma's Medicine Valli Sarvani No comments

Lungs play a vital role. Due to rising pollution, several respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) etc. are increasing.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that air pollution leads to nearly 4.2 million deaths across the globe every year.

In this context, certain foods help breathe better and protect the lungs from pollution.

Here is a list of those foods:

Being rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, apples reduce inflammation in the air passage. The research report of the European Respiratory Journal says that regular consumption of apple juice can prevent risk of wheezing problems.
Extra virgin oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, vitamin E and vitamin K to protect lungs from oxidative stress and prevent tissue damage.
Green tea is beneficial for the overall health of a person including the lungs. Quercetin in green tea works as an antihistamine to lower the release of histamine and thereby allergy symptoms.
Nuts and seeds improve the function of the lungs. Hence add walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds and sunflower seeds to your regular diet.
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps detoxify lungs and protects from pollutants. It can also protect against congestion and improve air circulation and lung health.
The sulforaphane in broccoli improves the function of lungs and protects against oxidative stress. Broccoli is also beneficial to asthmatics.
Garlic stimulates the production of glutathione to eliminate toxins and prevent the risk of lung cancer.
The capsaicin in cayenne pepper protects mucous membranes in the respiratory tract. It eases the symptoms of asthma.
Fish like mackerel, trout, sardines etc. can help treat COPD effectively. The study of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry reveals that omega 3 fatty acids in fish can combat lung infections.