We often think of his heart or liver, but much less of his lungs when it comes to food. However, what you put on your plate directly influences your breath and the health of your airways. According to Webmdcertain foods act as a real protective shield for your lungs, while others can weaken them. Here is an overview of what helps – or on the contrary night – your daily breathing.
Foods that boost the health of your lungs
The researchers have identified several families of foods associated with better pulmonary function:
- Fibers: whole cereals, quinoa, chia seeds, pears, broccoli;
- Full cereals: brown rice, wholemeal bread, oats, barley, rich in vitamin E, selenium and essential fatty acids;
- The berries: blackcurrant, blueberries, raspberries. A study shows that men consuming two portions of blueberries per week see their pulmonary function decline less quickly than others;
- Coffee: thanks to caffeine and anti-inflammatory polyphenols;
- Green vegetables: spinach, chard, lettuce, rich in antioxidant carotenoids;
- Dairy products: milk, yogurt, cheese, associated with a lesser risk of death linked to lung cancer;
- Tomatoes: their lycopene would help reduce respiratory inflammation and improve COPD.
Foods to avoid to preserve your lungs
Conversely, some products too much request your lungs or aggravate existing disorders:
- Alcohol: sulfites accentuate asthma and ethanol disturbs pulmonary cells;
- Transformed meats: bacon, ham, cold meats, sausages. Nitrites cause oxidative stress and inflammation;
- Sugar drinks: beyond 5 sodas per week, the risk of persistent bronchitis increases in adults, and that of asthma in children;
- Excess salt: WHO recommends not to exceed 5 g per day, because sodium promotes chronic bronchitis and asthma attacks.
Why your plate counts as much
These data show that your food choices directly influence your lungs. Increasing the share of fibers, antioxidants and vitamins in your meals, while reducing alcohol, salt and industrial products, can really make the difference on your long -term breathing.