Pollution is becoming more and more of a problem in today’s postindustrial world. Fortunately, the world at large is focusing on reducing pollution through the introduction of new policies. But while that progress is necessary, it may not be timely enough to protect your health today. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 7 million people perish annually as a direct result of pollution.
Air pollution is especially fatal due to its prevalence, and ability to infiltrate the body with ease. Breathing in polluted air coats the linings of your bronchial tubes and lungs with particulate matter, which causes inflammation. This inflammation can lead to the development of certain respiratory illnesses that can be fatal: asthma, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, emphysema, chronic coughing, and heart disease.
Fortunately, there are natural methods people can use to fight the health conditions that result from inhaling air pollutants. The best and easiest method is to alter your diet by including certain key foods that actually help the body to expunge pollutants. Foods that are rich in vitamin C and vitamin E have natural inflammatory properties that are a result of their antioxidant properties. Just a few of them are listed below.
- Broccoli
Eating broccoli can actually help your body expunge ozone and particulate matter pollution. This is primarily because broccoli contains an anti-carcinogenic compound known as sulforaphane. Cruciferous and highly anti-oxidant, broccoli is great for your lungs in general. - Avocado
Research has shown that there is a correlation between vitamin E levels and people suffering from air pollution in the lungs. Higher levels of vitamin E help to ease the symptoms of respiratory conditions like asthma. The fatty acids in avocados also help to reduce the inflammation that arises in the lungs due to the pollutants.
- Tomatoes
Including tomatoes in your diet can also help to reduce the harmful effects of pollution. Tomatoes contain lycopene which have a natural ability to prevent pollutant particles from adhering to the lungs.
