It is a universal known fact that the lungs play a very important role in the functioning of our body. They are a medium through which oxygen and carbon dioxide enters and is expelled from the body, respectively. With increase in air pollution, we tend to inhale a lot of smoke, environmental pollutants, and chemicals present in the air. Prolonged exposure to these toxins can affect our lungs and could lead to diseases like asthma, lung cancer and bronchitis. As per data stated by WHO, around 235 million people are suffer from asthma across the globe. And among children, it is the most prevalent chronic disorder.
Therefore, it is very important to take care of our lungs. Diet plays a crucial role in promoting lungs health. In this blog, we will talk about some of the foods which specifically contribute in keeping our lungs healthy.
- Garlic - Presence of allicin and flavonoids makes garlic good for our lungs. Allicin has anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-cancer properties. Studies indicate that regular garlic consumption is associated with reduced risk of lung disorders and cancer. In addition, garlic also stimulates the synthesis of glutathione which is a powerful antioxidant and aids in eliminating the toxins from our body.
- Turmeric - Turmeric contains curcumin which is its main benefiting compound. Curcumin aids in reducing inflammation of the airways, prevents chest congestion and protect our lungs from being damaged.
- Apple - Apples come with the benefit of nutrients like vitamin A, C and E, all of which are essential to keep the lungs healthy. These three nutrients are excellent antioxidants which reduces the risk of developing asthma, cancer and lung diseases.
- Fatty Fish - Oily fishes like tuna, salmon, mackerel and sardine are packed with omega 3 fatty acids in the form of good fats. Omega 3 fats provide EPA and DHA which has the ability to lower the levels of certain inflammatory markers. Omega 3 fats fall under the category of PUFA which are well-known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer action.
- Ginger - Ginger contains a phytonutrient called gingerol. This is the compound which imparts ginger its specific bitter taste. Numerous studies claim that gingerol helps in detoxification, averts disorders like asthma, cold, cough and headaches.
- Broccoli - This cruciferous vegetable is rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, folic acid and phytochemicals. In addition, presence of sulforaphane makes it good for our lung health due to its anti-inflammatory action. Broccoli has been known to lower the incidence of lung, breast and stomach cancer.
To conclude, making small changes in the diet can have greater impact on our health. Including lung-friendly foods, staying physically active, practicing deep breathing and meditation is the key to happy lungs.