Yogurt
Yogurt is rich in calcium, potassium, phosphorus and selenium. According to research, these nutrients can help enhance lung function and protect against the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Turmeric
Turmeric is often used to improve overall health due to its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric, is especially beneficial for supporting lung function.
A study in 2,478 people showed that curcumin levels were associated with improved lung function.
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Apple is one of the richest sources of vitamin C. In fact, due to the harmful effects of cigarette smoke, smokers should consume an additional 35 mg of vitamin C per day. Consuming only one sweet red chili with an average weight of 119 grams will provide 169% of the recommended vitamin C.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin contains many plant compounds that are beneficial to the lungs. They are particularly rich in carotenoids, including beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin - all of which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies show that having higher levels of carotenoids in the blood is associated with better lung function in both the elderly and young people.
Smokers may have a 25% lower concentration of the antioxidant carotene than non-smokers, which can be harmful to lung health.
Therefore, smokers can benefit significantly from consuming more caraten-rich foods such as pumpkin.
Apple
Research has shown that regular consumption of apples can help enhance lung function.
In addition, consuming five or more apples per week helps reduce the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Eating apples is also associated with a reduced risk of asthma and lung cancer. This is because apples have high levels of antioxidants, including flavonoids and vitamin C.
Tomatoes and tomato products
Tomatoes and tomato products are one of the sources of lycopene - a substance associated with improving lung health.
Consuming tomato products has been shown to help reduce airway inflammation in people with asthma and improve lung function in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
In addition, eating tomatoes also helps people who used to smoke reduce lung function more slowly.
Green tea
Green tea is a drink with many health benefits. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a natural compound found in green tea.
It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to inhibit the fibrosis or scar function of tissues.
Pneumonia is a disease characterized by progressive lung tissue scarring, affecting lung function. Some studies show that EGCG can help treat this disease.
A small 2020 study in 20 people with pulmonary fibrosis showed that 2-week treatment with EGCG extract reduced signs of fibrosis compared to the control group.