When most people think about dietary cleansing, usually organs and systems like the liver, digestive tract or urinary tract come to mind. This is because these are the parts of the body which are heavily involved in the detoxification process – that is, of removing unwanted substances from the body. However, the lungs take a real beating, too, mostly due to the air pollution and other toxins the average person is exposed to every day. Below is a list of the ten best foods you can eat to help keep your lungs clean and healthy.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Nope, they don’t just clean up the liver – vegetables like kale, broccoli and cabbage can help your lungs as well! This is because the same ingredients that detoxify your liver and digestive system – i.e., antioxidant and sulfur compounds – can also keep your lungs cleaned out at the same time.
Carotenoid-Rich Foods
Red- or orange-colored fruits and vegetables like oranges, carrots or red bell pepper get their color from carotenoids, plant-based substances which convert to Vitamin A during the process of digestion. Higher levels of Vitamin A are linked to reduced risk of developing asthma.
Foods with Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fatty fish, walnuts and flax seed are three of the foods richest in Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are great for your health in general but are also have a beneficial effect on those suffering from asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases.
Folate-Rich Foods
Beets, lentils, asparagus and spinach are all rich in folates. Folates have been clinically proven to help fight the development of cancer in the lungs. A folate-rich diet is especially important if you have a personal history of smoking.
Garlic
Garlic is great for lung health because of its anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce inflammation related to diseases like asthma. Also, garlic has proven antioxidant powers that help protect the lungs against oxidative stress and damage.
Vitamin C-Rich Foods
Foods that are rich in Vitamin C help make your lungs more efficient at oxygenating the body. Good choices for this foods include citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, pineapple, cantaloupes and melons as well as red and green bell peppers.
Berries
Berries contain some of the highest amounts of antioxidants on the planet and this antioxidant power is great for lung health, protecting against oxidative damage and also reducing your risk of developing lung cancer.
Apples
One of these a day can certainly keep the pulmonologist away! They are rich in vitamins and flavonoids that reduce the risk of developing many lung conditions and also help promote overall healthy respiratory function.
Ginger
The anti-inflammatory properties of this herb can certain help reduce your chance of developing an inflammatory condition like asthma; it, too, is rich in antioxidants that support overall lung health.
Turmeric
This spice is actually botanically related to ginger and, like ginger, has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties than can go a long way to promote good lung health and function.
As you can imagine, adding or increasing your intake of these foods in your diet can really make a difference in the health of your lungs – and consequently, in your overall health and well-being.
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