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10 foods to strengthen your lungs

By Gretel Morales - 2021-11-11T15:24:12Z
The cold season is here, so it's important to keep warm, stay hydrated, and take care of your diet, as this will help you maintain a healthy and strong immune system, ready to protect you from respiratory diseases. At kiwilimón, we care about your health, which is why we provide you with the best tips for having healthy lungs, especially during this season.Foods that strengthen your lungsDuring autumn and winter, it is crucial to pay special attention to our respiratory system, as diseases like the flu and influenza are prevalent. Although it may seem hard to believe, certain foods can help strengthen your lungs; here’s what you should include. You can also read: Benefits of chicken feet for healthBeetrootThe beetroot is not only an ideal ingredient for salads and all kinds of healthy dishes, but it also contains nutrients that will strengthen your lungs. According to experts, beetroot is rich in nitrates, a chemical that relaxes veins, decreases blood pressure, and improves oxygen consumption. Moreover, this vegetable is also rich in vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, antioxidants, and vitamin C, which are essential for healthy and strong lungs.GingerAccording to information published by the federal government, ginger is an excellent option for the respiratory system, thanks to its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its benefits for the immune system. Now you know, prepare a refreshing ginger tea to take care of your lungs.TurmericIn recent years, turmeric has gained much popularity due to its attributed benefits for the heart and brain, but it also has properties to combat cancer, arthritis, and depression. In the case of the lungs, due to its high antioxidant content, turmeric improves lung function, even in smokers.TomatoIf you want to learn how to naturally strengthen your lungs, it's very easy; you just need to include more fruits and vegetables in your diet. According to experts, tomatoes are one of the vegetables with the most benefits for the lungs, as they are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that will help you maintain healthy lungs. Scientific studies have found that this vegetable reduces inflammation in the respiratory tracts of people with asthma.Bell PepperIf you're craving some skewers or fajitas, this is the perfect excuse to make them. As you probably already know, bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, a substance with high levels of antioxidants, which are beneficial for proper lung function. You can also read: What is guava leaf tea good for?ApplesThere are no excuses not to prepare an apple salad or an apple smoothie with oats in the morning. Recent studies indicate that consuming this fruit is associated with improved lung function and, to top it off, it also seems to be connected with lower chances of developing asthma and lung cancer.BlueberryThe blueberry not only adds a tangy flavor to your desserts and dishes, but it is also a great ally if you want to have healthy lungs. These berries are rich in vitamins beneficial for the lungs, especially for proper lung function. It is worth mentioning that this fruit contains anthocyanins, the substance that gives it its characteristic color, but also protects the lungs from oxidative stress, a process that causes cell death.Purple CabbageLike blueberries, purple cabbage is also rich in anthocyanins, a chemical that could reduce the decline in lung function. On the other hand, cabbage is also rich in fiber, a nutrient associated with healthy lungs.LentilsIf you like lentils, now you have reasons to love them even more, as they are rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, copper, potassium, and magnesium, making them one of the best foods to strengthen the lungs. It is worth noting that, due to this legume's high fiber content, its consumption may also decrease the chances of developing lung cancer.YogurtAt kiwilimón, we give you more reasons to include yogurt in your diet, as it is not only rich in protein, but this dairy product also contains potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and selenium. All these nutrients are essential for strengthening your lungs and improving their function. You can also read: How to strengthen the respiratory systemOther foods you should consumeAccording to the British Lung Foundation, it is important to include these types of grains, dairy, and oils in your diet, as they will help you keep your lungs healthy.Whole grainsHigh-protein foodsFruits and vegetablesDairyVegetable oilsFoods to avoidProcessed meatsAlcoholic beveragesSodaSaltOther recommendationsExperts from the National Institutes of Health of the USA indicate that in addition to a balanced diet, you should follow the following recommendations to keep your lungs in perfect condition:Forget about cigarettes: Remember that smoking causes cancer.Exercise: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will strengthen your heart and improve your lung function.Take care of your health: Avoid outdoor activities when there is too much pollution in the environment.