Your lungs are vital organs that procure oxygen from the air and release carbon dioxide, a toxic waste gas, from the body. Breathing is an essential part of life; it ensures that the body has enough oxygen to properly carry out the necessary functions. Certain fruits can help enhance the health and function of the lungs while also promoting overall health.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are most notable for their plenitude of vitamin C, which helps to prevent free-radical damage that can trigger inflammation of the lungs, according to the authors of "Superfoods Healthstyle." Fruits like oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes are naturally anti-inflammatory and may help to reduce swelling of lung tissues in those with health conditions like asthma. ScienceDaily.com affirms the power of vitamin C in improving lung health, saying it can reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in smokers by eating one and a half pieces of vitamin C-rich fruit per day.
Berries
Berry varieties like blackcurrants, blueberries and strawberries contain the powerful phytochemical resveratrol, which is naturally anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting, improves memory, enhances fat metabolism and inhibits oxidative stress that can lead to diseases like lung cancer, according to Paul Gross, PhD, in his book "SuperFruits." The author says that regularly eating berries as part of a balanced diet can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 20 percent. Berries are also high in anthocyanins, which may help to significantly reduce cancer in the lungs and digestive tract.
Tomatoes and Apples
ScienceDaily.com found that eating either three tomatoes or five apples a week was associated with increased lung function, as well as reduction in wheezing. This is most likely due to the phytochemicals present in the peels of these fruits, which are antioxidants that protect the airways from external irritants like pollution and cigarette smoke. Tomatoes are also rich in beta-carotene, vitamin A and lycopene, which encourage vision health.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Respiratory System Function
- ScienceDaily: Studies Find Eating Fruits and Vegetables Good For Lungs
- "Superfoods Healthstyle"; Steven Pratt, et al.; 2005
- "SuperFruits"; Paul Gross PhD; 2009
