Introduction
Your lungs are an essential part of the respiratory system. They absorb oxygen, remove pollutants from the air, and ensure that your body receives oxygen-rich blood to nourish all cells and tissues.
Due to rising air pollution and environmental deterioration, it has become imperative to maintain healthy and functional lungs. With the rate at which air pollution is increasing nowadays, many people have begun to report respiratory health issues at a very young age. The poor quality of the air you breathe due to pollution, polluted gases, and industrial pollutants suspended in the air clog; the tiny ventricles in your lungs.
There are many foods that can act as lung cleansers and strengthen your lungs. Including such items in your diet is an effective way to improve the condition of your lungs.
Also read: Simple Breathing Exercises To Improve Lung Capacity
Lung Cleansing Foods
For your lungs to function properly, it is vital that your airways are free from inflammation, swelling, and blockages like excess mucus. Read on to find out some of the greatest foods for lung cleansing that are also beneficial for overall health.
Green leafy vegetables
Many of the chemicals found in green leafy vegetables are excellent for preserving healthy lungs. The majority of cruciferous and green leafy vegetables contain antioxidants that aid in cleansing your body of harmful pollutants. Vegetables including cauliflower, kohlrabi, broccoli, kale, and cabbage can help improve lung function in people with lung conditions, including COPD and pulmonary hypertension, a disease that causes high blood pressure in the lungs. Additionally, studies show that intake of the above cruciferous vegetables is associated with a lower lung cancer risk.
Garlic
Garlic is a superfood that contains a lung-health-promoting plant compound called allicin. In the body, allicin functions as a potent natural antibiotic that can help eradicate respiratory infections that could block your lungs. Evidence suggests that consuming raw garlic may also help against lung cancer. Researchers have discovered that garlic can aid in the recovery of lung damage brought on by smoking, pollution, and poor air quality.
Green Tea
Studies have also shown that drinking green tea regularly is one approach to maintaining lungs that are free of excess mucus and in good health. According to research, green tea extracts have robust antioxidants that are stronger than vitamin C. Green tea’s health-promoting qualities are also beneficial for promoting brain function, fighting against several malignancies, and boosting cardiovascular health. Additionally, green tea helps to repair lung damage caused by smoking.
Ginger
Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory food that helps you breathe better. Increased use of ginger can kill bacteria that trigger life-threatening lung infections. It is one of the most widely used home remedies to cure respiratory issues like cough and cold, as ginger effectively strengthens the immune system. Studies and research show that the recovery time for a respiratory infection can be accelerated, and the amount of mucus obstructing your bronchial tubes can be decreased, thanks to ginger’s ability to relieve inflammation. According to a review of ginger’s therapeutic benefits, it can be used to lessen the symptoms of asthma and other respiratory conditions. Other scientific investigations into the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger have indicated possibilities for reducing lung cancer cell growth.
Click here to know about: A Complete Guide To Protect You From Adverse Effects Of Air Pollution
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are loaded with vitamin C, which is great for the functioning of your lungs. They are the best sources of lycopene, a pigment associated with lung health. Eating tomatoes and tomato-based products, such as tomato juice, is good for respiratory health. It can reduce the complications associated with chronic conditions affecting the respiratory system, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and cystic fibrosis. A diet rich in tomatoes may counteract the damage to the lungs caused by smoking.
Beetroot
Beetroots are amazing for lung detoxification. They are extremely rich in magnesium, vitamin C, potassium, and carotenoid antioxidants, all of which contribute to good lung health. Research studies have demonstrated that beetroots are abundant in nitrates which help to improve lung function. Nitrates aid in blood vessel relaxation, blood pressure reduction, and improved oxygen uptake.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating lung-cleansing foods in your diet along with lifestyle modifications can help protect your lungs and even reduce lung damage and symptoms of lung-related problems like COPD. So, make sure to add these foods to your daily diet so that you breathe better and improve lung health in the long term.
