By Riddhi Parmar +2more
By Riddhi Parmar
Last updated: Sep 3, 2024
Click to rate this article!
[Total: 47 Avg: 3.6]
It is a well-known fact that the regular practice of Pranayam and yoga helps to maintain healthy lungs. Some certain foods and nutrients have proven benefits to the health of our lungs. Let us find out these beneficial foods and their health benefits.
Table of Contents
Foods Good for Lungs
1. Garlic
Garlic has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties which are beneficial in disease conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer. Recent studies have concluded that garlic has protective effects in lung cancer patients and it can be a chemopreventive agent for lung cancer.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric is commonly used in various Indian food preparations. Curcumin is an important content of turmeric that has anti-inflammatory properties. Clinical research suggests that curcumin is effective in pulmonary conditions with abnormal inflammatory responses, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary fibrosis, and acute lung injury.
3. Ginger
We use ginger very commonly in our foods and drinks. Ginger offers many health benefits to our lungs. Due to its anti-inflammatory qualities, ginger causes bronchodilation in asthmatic patients. Various animal and human clinical studies have demonstrated the bronchodilatory effects of ginger. Ginger also breaks down the thick mucus and helps to expel out the mucus.
In my experience, I have observed that there are potential benefits of vitamin D for lung health. There are promising associations between vitamin D and lung health. From what I have come across, obtaining vitamin D through sunlight exposure, dietary sources, or supplementation can have small but positive effects on the lungs.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
4. Fish
Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial for patients with chronic lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the inflammation of the lungs in COPD patients. Also, fish oil gives protection against lung infections by a bacterium called Haemophilus influenzae.
5. Walnut
Walnuts are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and are extremely beneficial for COPD patients.
6. Citrus Fruits
Fruits like orange and lemon are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants. Vitamin C helps to boost our immunity and fight against respiratory infections. Recent studies concluded that fruits rich in vitamin C reduce wheezing in children and improves lung function and breathing in COPD patients.
7. Onion
Onion is one of the most commonly used vegetables by the Indian population. It contains a lot of micronutrients and vitamins. It has been used as an herbal remedy for years for colds, influenza and bronchitis, and whooping cough. Onions also have anti-inflammatory and anti-asthma activity.
Over the years, I have observed that increasing the intake of minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium can have protective effects against respiratory conditions, particularly in children. It has been found that a higher consumption of these minerals is associated with a lower prevalence of asthma.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
8. Blueberries
Blueberries contain many nutrients which are essential for ensuring optimum lung function. It contains anthocyanins such as cyanidin, petunidin, malvidin and many more which protect the lung tissues from damage associated with oxidation.
9. Green Tea
Green tea contains a catechin called Epigallocatechin gallate which gives it antioxidant properties. Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties and is known to reduce the chances of fibrosis in the lungs. Some researchers concluded that Epigallocatechin gallate may be good for treating the health condition of pulmonary fibrosis which causes scarring of the lung tissue.
10. Yogurt
Yogurt is a rich source of potassium, calcium and phosphorus which are known to boost lung function. These nutrients may also help in reducing the risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
11. Cocoa
Your favourite chocolate is not only lip-smackingly delicious but also has several health benefits. The cocoa in dark chocolate has antioxidant properties and contains a compound known as theobromine which is known to relax the airways of the respiratory system.
12. Apple
The famous adage says “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Recently, many clinical studies have provided scientific evidence for this common phrase. Many clinical studies have demonstrated that the consumption of an apple regularly reduces the risk of lung cancer. In one study conducted in Australia, apple intake was associated with a reduced risk of asthma. Apple helps to maintain the overall well being of our lungs.
Lungs help us in breathing, and we are alive till the time we are breathing. Regular practice of Pranayam and consuming healthy foods can help you maintain healthy lungs and a healthy body as a whole.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisem*nts of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisem*nts do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
141
3
This might be related & helpful!
- Protect Your Lungs From Toxic Colors This Holi!
- What Happens To Your Lungs From Smoking? Things You Should Know.