The respiratory system is among the most important biological systems in the body. Our respiratory system is made up of a network of organs and tissues that help us breathe.
The respiratory system helps our body absorb oxygen from the air so the organs can function properly. In addition, it cleans waste gases, such as carbon dioxide, from your blood. Therefore, it is critical to keep it in good shape by eating healthy foods.
It is a known fact that what we eat affects our health either positively or negatively. Eating healthy foods not only helps your respiratory system, but your entire body. There are specific nutrients and foods, which have been said to be particularly beneficial for lung function.
In this article, we will be looking at some of the best healthy foods for the respiratory system.
1. Fish
Adding fish such as salmon, mackerel, and carp into your daily diet can provide your body with the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA it requires.
Fish also contains polyunsaturated fatty acids with anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and antioxidant effects that help maintain healthy lungs and protect them from various ailments. If you don’t like fish, you can take fish oil supplements after consulting your doctor.
2. Onions
Folic acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin C are found in onions. Onions possess anti-carcinogenic effects, which aid in preventing lung cancer and allergy-induced bronchoconstriction. It also helps prevent and treat respiratory infections and lessen bronchial spasms during an asthma attack.
3. Garlic
Garlic is high in allicin and has anti-inflammatory qualities, reducing free radical damage. Consuming garlic minimizes the chance of infections and inflammation that causes respiratory problems such as asthma or bronchitis and serious diseases such as lung cancer.
4. Leafy vegetables
Phytochemicals found in green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, brussel sprouts, and others help to prevent diseases like lung cancer.
These vegetables reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses like asthma due to their anti-inflammatory qualities. Adding spinach to your regular diet will help you maintain a healthy respiratory system.
5. Apricots
Apricots are an excellent food that keeps your respiratory system healthy and clear of infection and sickness. It aids in the removal of free oxygen radicals, which can cause a variety of respiratory ailments because it is high in antioxidant substances, including Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta-carotene, and lycopene.
6. Pepper
The compound capsaicin makes pepper hot and spicy. This aids mucous secretion, clearing it from the respiratory tract and protecting the mucous membranes of the upper and lower respiratory tracts.
Pepper are also high in beta-carotene, which protects us from asthma. Respiratory disorders and lung cancer are kept at bay by their anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.
7. Walnuts
Walnuts contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and have anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, eating a few walnuts every day can help the body fight respiratory problems.
8. Pomegranates
Punicalagin, an antioxidant found in pomegranates, is three times more powerful than any other antioxidant. This is why the fruit is regarded as an alternative treatment for lung cancer. Pomegranates also contain punicic acid that aids in the clearing of mucus in the throat, chest, and lungs. It also helps relieve cough.
9. Apples
Apples are another one of the healthy foods for the respiratory system. Medical studies suggest that eating apples is linked to a slower decline in lung function among ex-smokers. One particular study found out that, eating five or more apples per week can blast lung function and reduce the risk of developing COPD.
10. Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, which may be useful for improving lung function. One medical study examined the lungs of smokers who took curcumin and that of those who did not. The study discovered that the lung function of smokers who had the highest intake of curcumin was significantly better than smokers who had low curcumin intake.
Bottom Line
Eating a rich and healthy diet can help you maintain strong lungs and overall respiratory system health. To support your respiratory system, try incorporating a few of the foods listed above into your diet.
