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If you’re worried about contracting the coronavirus, one of the best things you can do is boost your lung function. Believe it or not, there are foods you can eat that will do just that.
Aside from prepping for an unexpected illness, eating some foods can help with common conditions. Those who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis can also benefit. Consuming a nutrient-rich diet can help protect your lungs on top of reducing lung damage already present.
There are a variety of vegetables that provide compounds associated with optimized lung function. Beet greens and beetroot are excellent sources of nitrates. These compounds aid the body in relaxing blood vessels, reducing blood pressure, and maximizing your oxygen uptake.
Sweet red peppers deliver 169% of your daily vitamin C dose. Especially for smokers, getting extra vitamin C can improve lung function. Vitamin C also acts as a powerful antioxidant that helps restore some damage in the lungs.
Declining lung function can be improved by eating red cabbage as well. The anthocyanins contained in red cabbage are packed with fiber. In addition, those who eat more fiber benefit from improved function compared to those who consume low amounts of fiber.
Eating apples, blueberries, pumpkin, and tomatoes are proven to give your lungs a boost. Pumpkins have high amounts of carotenoids among other compounds that all have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Apples contain beneficial antioxidants that promote lung function. Reducing your risk of developing COPD could be as easy as an apple a day. Eat five or more apples per week and you’ll do just that.
Blueberries have a wealth of benefits to your health – including your lungs. They are a superfood rich in anthocyanins just like red cabbage. Consume just two or more servings per week of blueberries to increase lung function.
Lycopene which can be found in tomatoes is a carotenoid antioxidant that has been proven to reduce airway inflammation. Especially this time of year, it’s easy to get your hands on homegrown tomatoes that have more nutrients than processed tomatoes.
Maximize your lung function with other foods including, turmeric, green tea, edamame, olive oil, yogurt, oysters, anchovies, brazil nuts, lentils, and cocoa. Another simple rule to follow is to eat foods that have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation plays a vital role in lung function and the foods you consume can improve your overall lung health.
Breathe easier by incorporating just a few of these foods and beverages in your diet.
