February 2022

The 12 Best Foods for Lung Health

By Parul Dube

Here are 12 foods that may help boost lung function.

Beets and beet greens

The vibrantly colored root and greens of the beetroot plant contain compounds that optimize lung function.

Peppers

Consuming just one medium-sized (119-gram) sweet red pepper delivers 169% of the recommended intake for vitamin C

Apples

Apple intake has also been linked to a lower risk of asthma and lung cancer. This may be due to the high concentration of antioxidants in apples

Pumpkin

People who smoke may significantly benefit from consuming more carotenoid-rich foods like pumpkin.

Turmeric

In fact, high curcumin intake in smokers was associated with 9.2% greater lung function, compared with smokers who did not consume curcumin

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Blueberries

Blueberries are loaded with nutrients, and their consumption has been associated with a number of health benefits, including protecting and preserving lung function

Red cabbage

Red cabbage is an affordable and rich source of anthocyanins. These plant pigments give red cabbage its vivid color. Anthocyanin intake has been linked to a reduced decline in lung function

Olive oil

Consuming olive oil may help protect against respiratory conditions like asthma. Olive oil is a concentrated source of anti-inflammatory antioxidants

Oysters

Oysters are loaded with nutrients that are essential to lung health, including zinc, selenium, B vitamins, and copper

Yogurt

Yogurt is rich in calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and selenium. According to research, these nutrients may help boost lung function and protect against COPD risk

Cocoa

Cocoa and cacao products like dark chocolate are high in flavonoid antioxidants and contain a compound called theobromine, which helps relax the airways in the lungs

Swiss chard

Many studies have linked greater intake of leafy green vegetables like Swiss chard to a reduced risk of lung cancer and COPD

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