One of the most basic lessons we learn in school is that the lungs are one of the most vital organs in the body, and their health directly affects our lifespan. Yet we tend to neglect this pair of organs in our daily life. Nevertheless when our lungs are healthy, only then can we truly sense every breath of life. However, certain factors erode the functioning of the lungs and in some cases, beyond recuperation. Excessive smoking, exposure to environmental toxins, and improper diet are some bad enemies of this organ and we ought to take care of our lungs against these before it's too late.
And to add to the disadvantages, conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (also known as COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis can take a major toll on the lungs and significantly affect our life's quality. It is therefore of utmost importance that we gear up and start taking care of the lungs as soon as possible. There are many food products in the market, like edible oils, cereals, nutritional supplements to strengthen the heart, digestive system, liver, but one would have never seen any edible food product that can claim to make our lungs healthy. Because there is none!
So, it is actually up to us, to adopt a lifestyle regime, that would ensure that we are able to breathe to the fullest capacity of our lungs. Lifestyle modifications supplemented with a healthy and nutritious diet does not only protect our lungs but also keep them safe from diseases and damages. We have picked up a list of foods that have been proven to provide nutrition and health benefits to the lungs. We hope that you will give them a try, and look for positive responses.
Peppers
Among all the food varieties, peppers are considered to be the richest source of vitamin C. It has powerful antioxidants. Peppers are especially recommended for those who smoke excessively. The antioxidants help flush out the toxins accumulated in the lungs and give a better breathing experience. Consumption of peppers in high quantities, owing to their vitamin C content, is certainly good for smokers without any side effects.
Apples
There is a saying, "an apple a day, keeps the doctor away…" and it is true! Medically proven, apples, if eaten on daily basis, can improve the functioning of the lungs vigorously. Eating 5 or more apples in a week can drastically reduce the chances of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Apple can also miraculously help in preventing asthma and lung cancer due to the high concentration of antioxidants, flavonoids, and vitamin C present in it.
Beetroot
The compounds present in beetroot play a major role in optimizing the health of the lungs. Beetroot contains high quantities of nitrates. These nitrates play a crucial role in improving the overall quality of your lungs. The blood vessels improve and oxygen intake enhances greatly. It also helps in reducing blood pressure. Furthermore, beetroot is capable of improving the physical functioning of the lungs to a large extent. Symptomatic COPD can also be taken care of by the regular usage of beetroot. Moreover, nutrients that are essential for healthy lungs, such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and carotenoid are packed in beetroot.
Pumpkin
Although pumpkin might not be a favourite among many, astonishingly, the bright flesh of the pumpkin is rich in health-promoting compounds for the lungs. A good source of carotenoid, pumpkin is a powerful source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Research has revealed that high blood sugar, in conjunction with carotenoids, is essentially beneficial for the health of the lungs. It is advisable for smokers to inculcate pumpkins into their daily diet.
Green Tea
Another excellent source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Green Tea has brilliant health benefits. In the case of lungs, green tea helps in taking care of pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive condition where the lungs inhibit scarred tissues, to the extent that it can actually treat it completely. Replacing your regular cup of tea with green tea would be a great idea for someone who has just quit smoking and wants to free the lungs from all the deposited tarter.
The bottom line is that the sooner we start taking care of our lungs, the better. Diet rich in nutritious elements will go a long way in ensuring the healthy functioning of the lungs and in the process make us live longer.
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