An average adult takes between 15 and 20 breaths a minute or more than 20,000 breaths a day, according to the American Lung Association. Your respiratory system consists of your nose, throat, windpipe and lungs. The main function of the respiratory system is to bring fresh air into your lungs when you inhale and expel old air out of your lungs as you exhale. Germs, tobacco smoke and other harmful substances can damage your airways and reduce the amount of oxygen in your lungs. A healthy diet and regular exercise can keep your lungs functioning at an optimal level.
Sweet Potatoes
A food that is good for your lungs is sweet potatoes. Vegetables such as sweet potatoes contain a healthy amount of beta carotene, disease-fighting antioxidants that can reduce your risk of lung cancer. According to MayoClinic.com, vegetables rich in beta carotene can alleviate asthma-related bronchial inflammation caused by free radicals or damaging cells. Other vegetables that contain beta carotene include carrots, broccoli, spinach, green peppers and squash.
Brazil Nuts
Snacking on Brazil nuts can be good for your lungs. Brazil nuts are rich in selenium, a trace mineral with antioxidant properties. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, selenium helps prevent lung damage caused by free radicals, delays lung tumor growth and strengthens your immune system. Other good sources of selenium include crab, liver, fish, poultry and wheat.
Broccoli
Adding broccoli into your daily diet may decrease your risk of developing lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, broccoli is rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, fiber, calcium, folic acid and phytochemicals, plant chemicals that have anti-cancer properties. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, other cruciferous vegetables include Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, turnip greens, Chinese cabbage, arugula, horseradish, radish, wasabi and watercress.
Oranges
If you want to keep your lungs healthy, incorporate a variety of fruits such as oranges into your daily diet. According to the website MedlinePlus, citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, a water-soluble antioxidant that can reduce lung damage caused by toxic chemicals and pollutants such as cigarette smoke. Vitamin C can also help your immune system fight off infections caused by free radicals. Other fruits that are rich in vitamin C include papaya, mango, watermelon, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries and pineapples
