Top Foods For Healthy Lungs

Our lung health is so important to us no matter our age. We use our lungs every second of every day and the healthier they are, the healthier we are overall. As we get older, how we treated our lungs in our earlier years really begins to show itself and can quickly adjust the experience we are having in our life, especially if we didn’t take good care of them.

Our world is surrounded with toxins. Pesticides, household chemicals, pollution, and harsh cleaning chemicals just to name a few. As we breathe this stuff in, it slowly has effects on the health of our lungs. This isn’t something I’m encouraging anyone to fear, but simply to be aware of so we can make new choices. Without awareness, we don’t know how to make changes.

We have spoken before about 15 plants and herbs that boost lung health, now it’s time to go over the top foods that help improve lung health. These foods can help in preventing lung cancer, help with various lung diseases and can help keep lungs clean and healthy.

Water

Water is essential to the human body in so many ways. When it comes to the lungs, water helps to keep our lungs moist and free of irritation. The amount of water each person should drink is dependent on their own body. We always hear the 6 – 8 glasses of water rule but this really depends on what we are eating, whether we are exercising and so forth. If you exercise a lot or eat a lot of foods that suck water out of you, you are going to need a lot more than 6 – 8 glasses a day. Pay attention to whether you feel hydrated and try and push your water intake up to about 2L. See how it feels for you. Adjust according to YOUR body and lifestyle.

Apricots

Apricots are not only a great time to eat but they contain a solid amount of antioxidants and Vitamin A. Antioxidants are important in keeping lungs healthy and warding off the potential for lung cancer. Along with protecting lung linings and preventing infection, apricots have also been linked to helping to treat asthma which is a disorder of the lungs.

Apples

Scientists who studied 2,500 Welshmen aged 45 to 59 found those who ate five or more apples a week had the healthiest lungs. The test was done by performing a test geared towards determining lung capacity. Apples contain high levels of an antioxidant called quercetin. This is good for keeping the lungs healthy and clear of lung cancer.

Beans

Beans contain a substance called phytic acid (IP6). IP6 has been shown to help reduce the risk and fight cancer at various sites including the lungs. Kidney, pinto and black beans are also great sources of antioxidants that help fight off free radicals in the body. For the lungs, these free radicals can damage the lungs and cause cancer.

Broccoli

Compounds called isothiocyanates from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli may have cancer-fighting properties. Broccoli is also high in antioxidants which we know help reduce the risk of various lung diseases.

Berries

Berries are also rich in antioxidants, in fact they are one of the most antioxidant rich out there, topping the charts with the Acai berry. The blackberry is also being tested for its use against lung cancer in women -scientists have found that the berries could reduce the estrogen activity which feeds the tumour. Animal studies have shown similar effects. Other berries with great lung potential are cranberries, grapes and strawberries.

Walnuts

Walnuts contain a form of vitamin E called gamma-tocopherol. This vitamin has been found to help fight breast, prostate and lung cancer making walnuts another powerful food for the lungs. Walnuts are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which are important for our overall health. If you can, grab a handful of walnuts every day to help stay healthy and steer clear of lung and respiratory illness.

Sources

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/research-into-lung–capacity-is-a-big-blow-for-apples-727445.html

http://wiki-fitness.com/apricot-health-benefits-nutrition-facts/

http://www.webmd.com/lung-cancer/news/20081118/broccoli-a-smokers-best-buddy

http://beaninstitute.com/health-benefits/dry-beans-and-human-health/

http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2011/aug2011_Walnuts-A-Wealth-of-Health-Found-in-Walnuts_01.htm