We are facing a global pandemic since the beginning of this year 2020 and have realized the importance of a healthy lifestyle and immunity power. You might as well be aware of the fact that this coronavirus attacks the lungs and makes it vulnerable. This brings us to the importance of healthy lungs.

Healthy Lungs play a vital role in helping our bodies function well. Lungs are our support system for breathing. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 235 million people are suffering from asthma. We all know the benefits of pranayama and yoga for better functioning of the lungs.

So what more can we do to make our lungs healthier and stronger, making it immune to the virus and other diseases? What are the odds of having a few food items as an answer? We would like to break it to you that certain foods help your lungs grow stronger! These include garlic, turmeric, ginger, fish, walnut, citrus fruits, onion, and apple. There are many more on the list but for now, we will study how exactly do they help in making the lungs function better and make it healthier. Let’s go through them and find out how!

Also, Read Why Is Vitamin D So Important for Your Health?

Raw Food items that are good for healthy lungs –

Garlic –

The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of garlic are beneficial to people with conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and as per few recent studies, garlic has protective effects on even a lung cancer patient to an extent as it might work as a chemopreventive agent. It enhances the elimination of toxins and carcinogens, helping your lungs to function better, as it comprises flavonoids, stimulating the production of glutathione.

Turmeric –

As Indians, we know the use of turmeric as a natural antiseptic with medicinal qualities. It is also a major part of most of the food preparations. The anti-inflammatory property of Curcumin found in turmeric is really important in improving the functioning of lungs and helps in conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and acute lung injury because of its effectiveness in pulmonary conditions with abnormal inflammatory responses. The Curcumin compound helps in relieving the inflammation of the airways and tightness of the chest, which is associated with asthma.

Ginger –

Ginger is a very usual and important part of many food recipes that we eat and drink and it also offers many benefits to the lungs. The anti-inflammatory qualities cause bronchodilation in asthmatic patients. It is also credited for breaking down the mucus and expelling it.

Fish –

The omega 3 fatty acids, extracted from fish are beneficial for patients with chronic lung diseases like a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that decrease the inflammation of the lungs in COPD patients. Apart from fatty acid, the fish oil also protects the lungs from infections by a bacterium called Haemophilus influenza.

Walnut –

For those who are vegetarians and won’t consume omega 3 fatty acids from fish, walnut is for your rescue here. Same as in fish oil, walnuts are well loaded with omega 3 fatty acids, which turns out to be really helpful for COPD patients by controlled inflammation of the lungs.

As little as one handful daily can turn out to help fight asthma and other respiratory ailments.

Also Read, 9 Solid Foods that Enhances the Body Immune System

Water –

Water is the basic form of life. Water itself is life. And there is nothing more beneficial and effective than water. Water is one of the purest ways to detoxify your body. You must drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water to keep your body hydrated because dry lungs are more susceptible to inflammation and irritation.

Citrus Fruits –

Citrus fruits, especially orange and lemon, are an amazing source of antioxidants and Vitamin C and Vitamin C, in turn, helps in boosting the immunity and fighting against respiratory infections. The fruits that are rich in Vitamin C reduce wheezing in children and optimize lung functions and breathing in COPD patients, as per a few recent studies.

Onion –

Onion, again, is the most commonly used vegetable in every other Indian household due to its taste, micronutrients, and vitamins. Even traditionally, it has been used as an herbal remedy for cold, influenza, and bronchitis. It helps improve the lungs and its functioning with its anti-inflammatory properties.

Flaxseeds – 

Many surveys are showing that flaxseed oil can help in the reduction of lung fibrosis. They help in protecting lung tissues before and after exposure to the radiation and help in the reduction of lung inflammation.

Apple –

We all are aware of the famous adage that says, “an apple a day, keeps the doctor away”. Well, we cannot deny this, can we? This adage has been backed by several recent studies with scientific evidence. As per a few clinical studies, the risk of developing lung cancer is reduced by regular consumption of apples. Apple is also credited for the reduced risk of asthma, as per a study. It helps maintain and improve the functioning of the lungs and the entire respiratory system.

Takeaway –

These were the 8 foods that are amazing for healthy lungs. As the proverb goes, “we are what we eat”. Make sure you add these to your daily diet and ensure better and healthier lungs and respiratory system for your body. These are the basic foods that we consume every day in Indian households, but if you are going through any serious lung-related problem, make sure to visit the doctor right away to ensure the best of your health.

Stay tuned to  Dr. B. Lal Clinical Laboratory for more updates.