To feel your best, it's crucial to maintain good lung health. However, common factors like eating an inflammatory diet, being exposed to environmental contaminants like cigarette smoke, and smoking itself can harm these vital organs. Additionally, common illnesses including pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma can have a substantial impact on your quality of life.

Making lifestyle adjustments, such as eating a diet rich in nutrients, has been shown to help preserve your lungs and even minimize lung damage and disease symptoms, according to research.

Additionally, it has been discovered that some foods and nutrients are especially beneficial for lung function.

The following 20 foods may improve lung function.

• Beets- Nitrates, which are abundant in beetroot and beet greens and have been proven to improve lung function. Nitrates aid in blood vessel relaxation, blood pressure reduction, and improved oxygen uptake. Beet greens are also rich in antioxidants including carotenes, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and potassium, all of which are necessary for lung health.
• Peppers- Peppers are one of the best sources of vitamin C, a nutrient that dissolves in water and functions as a potent antioxidant in your body. For people who smoke, getting adequate vitamin C is extremely crucial. In fact, it's advised that smokers take an additional 35 mg of vitamin C daily because smoking harms your body's antioxidant reserves.
• Apples- According to research, regularly consuming apples may aid to improve lung function. In addition, eating five or more apples a week is linked to improved lung health and a lower risk of COPD. Apple eating has also been linked to a lower incidence of asthma and lung cancer. This could be attributed to apples' strong antioxidant content, which includes flavonoids and vitamin C.
• Pumpkin- Pumpkins have colorful flesh that contains a number of plant components that are good for the lungs. They contain high concentrations of carotenoids, such as beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, all of which have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. Increased consumption of foods high in carotenes, such as pumpkin, may have significant positive effects for smokers.
• Turmeric- Due to its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric is frequently used to boost overall health. The primary active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, may be particularly advantageous for promoting lung function.
• Tomato- Lycopene, an antioxidant carotenoid, has been linked to better lung health, and tomatoes and tomato-based products are among the highest dietary sources of the compound. Tomato products have been demonstrated to improve lung function in patients with COPD and reduce airway inflammation in people with asthma.
• Blueberries- Consuming blueberries, which are rich in nutrients, has been linked to a number of health advantages, including preserving and protecting lung function.
• Red cabbage- A good and inexpensive source of anthocyanins is red cabbage. Red cabbage gets its vibrant color from these plant pigments. Lung function reduction has been associated to anthocyanin consumption.

Lung health can be affected by your diet. Increase your intake of plant foods, which generally have some advantages, while cutting back on red meat and processed foods. Also, bear in mind that your lifestyle as a whole counts. Quit smoking, exercise frequently, get enough sleep each night, and attempt to manage your stress.

Regular exercise and a nutritious diet are two effective ways to maintain healthy lungs. A balanced diet keeps you healthy and keeps you free of any diseases.

PDO I Kimberly Tanador, RND

References:

Best Foods to Eat for Healthy Lungs

https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7826579/healthy-lungs-food/

Best Foods for Lung Health

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lung-cleansing-foods#1.-Beets-and-beet-greens