Protect Your Lungs by Eating These 5 Foods to Combat Air Pollution

Air pollution in Indonesia doesn’t seem to get better. On September 11th, Jakarta came in tenth place for the world’s most polluted cities. In such conditions, one of the things to keep your lungs healthy is having a good diet. Try to always include these 5 foods into your plate for protecting your lungs.

1. Apples

Research has shown that regularly consuming apples can help improve lung function. Apple consumption improves lung function, reduces COPD risk, asthma, and lung cancer risk. Additionally, it is associated with slower decline in lung function among former smokers. This may be due to the high concentration of antioxidants in apples, including flavonoids and vitamin C.

2. Pumpkins

Pumpkins are rich in carotenoids, including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, all of which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. High blood carotenoids levels are linked to improved lung function in both older and younger individuals. People who smoke can significantly benefit from consuming more carotenoid-rich foods like pumpkins.

3. Turmerics

Curcumins, the main active ingredient in turmeric, have the potential to be extremely beneficial for lung function. Curcumin intake was linked to improved lung function in a study involving 2,478 people. Furthermore, smokers with a high curcumin intake had better lung function than smokers with a low curcumin intake.

Read also 5 Ways to Keep Your Lungs Healthy Amidst Jakarta’s Severe Air Pollution

4. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are high in lycopene, a carotenoid antioxidant linked to better lung health. Tomato products have been shown to reduce airway inflammation in asthma patients and improve lung function in COPD patients. Tomato consumption was also linked to a slower decline in lung function in former smokers.

5. Red cabbages

Anthocyanins are abundant in red cabbage. Anthocyanin consumption has been tied to improved lung function. In addition, cabbage is high in fiber. According to studies, people who consume more fiber have better lung function than those who consume less fiber.

source: kompas.com