In today’s heavily polluted world, it is more important than ever before that we take care of our lungs. It is no longer enough to just not smoke and avoid second hand smoke. Nowadays, your lungs can become contaminated with irritants and pollutants just by stepping outside. This is actually the reason that people have begun to wear facial masks when travelling outside.
Protect lungs is important because the pollutants inhaled can actually lead to the development of cancer overtime. Unfortunately, you cannot stop breathing or wear a mask all the time, so it can be difficult to protect your lungs. Fortunately, you can manage to take care of your lungs via your diet. The food that you eat can actually cleanse your lungs of impurities. Read on to find out more about the relationship between your diet and your lung health.
Foods to Take Care of Your Lungs
1. Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous veggies are the superstar security forces that protect your lungs by removing carcinogens. Veggies like, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli, have sulforaphane, a compound that can fight the development of cancer.
2. Orange and Red Foods
Foods like, oranges, peaches, red bell peppers, papayas, carrots, etc. contain a carotenoid known as, beta-cryptoxanthin, the antioxidant pigment responsible for the foods’ color. Studies have suggested that regularly consuming beta-cryptoxanthin lowers a person’s lung cancer risk by 25%.
3. Fatty Fish
There has been some research that suggests animal fats combined with carcinogens can promote lung cancer. Focus on eating healthy fats that come from fatty fish like, salmon, mackerel, tuna, etc. which seems to minimize the development of tumors in the lungs.
4. Leafy Green Veggies
Leafy green veggies have folate, a B-complex vitamin which is able to safeguard the body from the effects of carcinogens.
When you include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, you are doing your part in cleansing your body of chemicals and toxins. Make sure to include cruciferous vegetables and greens in your diet so you can protect your lungs.
