Here’s a fun fact!
Lungs and tennis courts can be the same size.
It may seem impossible, but if your lungs were opened flat, they would be so big that
they would cover the size of an actual tennis court!
Hi viewers and welcome back to Bestie.
Lungs play a crucial role in supporting bodily functions.
Their job doesn’t just include inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide.
They also combat harmful components like air pollutants and other environmental toxins
which can take a toll on your vital organs.
These pollutants also increase the risk of respiratory ailments like asthma, bronchitis
and pneumonia.
If you have trouble breathing, this means your lungs have been affected.
Because of this, performing the smallest daily activities can be a challenge.
One of the best ways to keep them healthy is by eating foods that are good for your
lungs.
And in today’s video, we will tell you what they are.
From turmeric, beets, walnuts, ginger to blueberries and more, watch till the end to learn about
all of them.
Apples: One of the many health secrets packed into an apple is that every bite fills you
with flavonoids.
These phytonutrients are found in almost all fruits and vegetables and offer anti-inflammatory
and immune-boosting benefits.
Research has shown that the more flavonoids you eat, the lower your risk is for lung disease.
In fact, an increase in flavonoids of 20 milligrams per day, which is about one or two apples,
may reduce your chances of developing lung disease by 10%.
Never-smokers seem to benefit the most from the protective power of these compounds.
An apple's peel, especially if it's a dark variety, has the highest concentration of
flavonoids, so be sure to wash and eat the whole fruit for good lung health.
Are you an apple a day person or do you have another favourite?
Tell us quickly down below in the comments section.
Turmeric: Turmeric is often used to promote overall health due to its potent antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory effects.
Curcumin, the main active component in turmeric, may be especially beneficial for supporting
lung function.
A study found that curcumin intake is associated with improved lung function.
Plus, the lung function of smokers who had the highest intake of curcumin was significantly
greater than smokers who had low curcumin intake.
In fact, high curcumin intake in smokers was associated with 9% greater lung function,
compared with smokers who did not consume curcumin.
Ginger: This spice has anti-inflammatory properties and removes pollutants from the lungs.
Ginger has a ton of benefits not just for the lungs but for the rest of the body too.
It can decongest and unclog air passages which helps to boost lung health and improve breathing.
Water: Water plays a huge role in health and is the base of any cleansing action.
Pure, clean water is essential to keeping blood flowing to and from the lungs.
It also keeps your lungs hydrated and the mucus flowing.
Mucus is important and needs to be the right consistency to move toxins, microbes, and
pollutants—out.
A large part of our body is made up of water.
Proper hydration is essential for more than just lung health.
It helps to remove waste, transport nutrients and regulate temperature.
Peppers: A rich source of vitamin C, peppers keep the lungs healthy over a long period
of time.
Vitamin C is said to be a potent antioxidant that has immense benefits for patients suffering
from chronic lung disease.
It helps in the removal of toxins from the body which reduces free radicals.
This lowers the rate of lung tissue damage and promotes repair of damaged tissues.
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Beets: Beets are considered good for the lungs for a variety of reasons.
The red, yellow and orange vegetables deliver a powerful anti-inflammatory punch, and are
rich in nitrates that help to relax blood vessels which help you breathe better.
Beets also are packed with minerals like magnesium and carotenoids that have antioxidant properties.
These protect your body from free radicals, which can harm healthy cells, including those
in the lungs.
If you’re not a fan of eating beets, you can get those same nitrates and antioxidants
in its juice.
Orange juice: This breakfast staple may benefit lung health in several ways.
As an excellent source of the mighty antioxidant vitamin C, orange juice helps protect the
lungs from free radicals that can cause disease or infection.
Our bodies don’t produce vitamin C so you have to get it from outside sources.
Research also suggests that compounds in orange juice called flavonoids team up with vitamin
C to protect cells in the lungs and airways from oxidative stress.
But be careful: Many orange juice products are high in calories and added sugars, so
always go for fresh juice rather than the boxed ones.
Fatty fish: Fish high in fat is an excellent choice for healthy lungs as they contain high
levels of omega-3 fatty acids which are linked with lung health.
These fatty acids are particularly beneficial if you have chronic lung disease.
First, omega-3 fatty acids help to fight inflammation.
Second, they may help reduce the risk of lung infection.
Finally, they can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression as well.
Walnuts: Walnuts are a great source of magnesium, an important electrolyte that supports the
muscles in your lungs.
Plus, the omega-3 fatty acids walnuts contain act as an anti-inflammatory.
This potentially reduces lung inflammation and improves your ability to breathe.
Research has also found that compounds derived from omega-3 fatty acids might also be key
to helping the body combat lung infections.
Leafy Green Vegetables: Leafy greens, like spinach and kale, are packed with antioxidants
like vitamins A, C and E plus compounds called phytochemicals.
These have been shown to lower inflammation in the body.
Some studies suggest that eating a diet high in leafy greens may decrease the risk of lung
cancer.
This could be because carotenoids are thought to protect cells and play a role in blocking
the early stages of cancer.
They also contain high levels of naturally occurring nitrates from the soil that your
body converts into nitric oxide.
This is a powerful blood vessel dilator beneficial for circulation and oxygen delivery.
Garlic: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of garlic are beneficial to people
with conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
As per studies, garlic even has protective effects on lung cancer patients by working
as a chemopreventive agent.
It enhances the removal of toxins and carcinogens, helping the lungs function better.
Pumpkin: The brightly colored flesh of pumpkin contains a variety of lung-health-promoting
plant compounds.
They're especially rich in carotenoids, which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
properties.
Studies show that having higher blood levels of carotenoids is associated with better lung
function.
People who smoke may significantly benefit from eating more carotenoid-rich foods like
pumpkin.
Evidence suggests that smokers may have 25% lower concentrations of carotenoid antioxidants
than nonsmokers, which can harm lung health.
Eggs: Eggs are rich in omega-3 and protein, which are an important nutrient for maintaining
strong respiratory muscles.
They also contain vitamin A, an antioxidant that works to repair damaged cells and grow
normal ones.
This makes it an important vitamin for growing healthy lung tissue.
It can also improve lung health and tissue in those with a COPD diagnosis.
Eggs don’t always have to be cooked the same boring way every time.
Learn a few more creative ways to cook eggs by watching “6 Healthy Ways For You To Cook
Eggs”
Now back to 16 Foods That Can Help You Breathe Easy
Tomato: Tomatoes are among the richest dietary sources of lycopene, an antioxidant that has
been associated with improved lung health.
Eating tomato products has been shown to reduce airway inflammation in people with asthma
and improve lung function in people with COPD.
A study found that a diet rich in tomatoes was associated with a lower rate of asthma.
Plus, eating tomatoes is also associated with a slower decline of lung function in ex-smokers.
Whole grains: Whole grains are known primarily for their digestive and heart-health benefits.
They are also good for your lungs because they contain protein, antioxidants and minerals
such as iron, zinc, copper and magnesium.
But wait – there's more.
Excess carbon dioxide produced by the body can cause difficulty breathing in those who
have existing lung conditions.
A diet low in carbohydrates will reduce carbon dioxide and make breathing easier.
Adding complex carbohydrates like lentils, oats, bran and quinoa can prove beneficial
for people with lung problems.
Blueberries: Blueberries are loaded with nutrients, and eating them has been associated with a
number of health benefits, including protecting and preserving lung function.
They are a rich source of compounds called anthocyanins, which are powerful pigments
that have been shown to protect lung tissue from damage.
A study found that eating blueberries was associated with the slowest rate of decline
in lung function.
Eating 2 or more servings of blueberries per week slowed lung function decline by up to
38%.
While these are some great lung cleansing foods, there are other activities that can
help you strengthen your lungs as well.
Learn more by watching:
10 Ways You Can Reverse Lung Damage
Or
Prevent Lung Diseases & Maintain Healthy Lungs By Doing These
These 2 videos will definitely help you make better choices for healthier lungs.
So go ahead and watch one or both for maximum benefits.
What’s your favourite lung cleansing food?
Let us know in the comments section below!