Foods for lung health
30 Jul 2025 by Ted Escobedo 2 min read
Certain foods have been proven effective in assisting lung function because of their nutritional properties. Here are a few:
•
Apples: Apples are rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, beta carotene, and
vitamins C and E, which can reduce the risk of COPD by slowing down
lung function decline.
• Beets: Nitrates in beets help relax blood
vessels, reduce blood pressure, and optimize oxygen intake in the lungs.
Moreover, the green leaves in the beetroot contain potassium,
magnesium, carotenoid antioxidants, and vitamin C, which are
micronutrients supporting the immune system and healthy lungs.
•
Tomatoes: Tomatoes and tomato-based products contain a carotenoid
antioxidant called lycopene, which helps to boost lung function by
reducing airway inflammation.
• Grapefruits: Grapefruit contains a
flavonoid called Naringin that suppresses the functioning of a
cancer-causing enzyme. This flavonoid is high in white grapefruit, but
pink grapefruit also contains a small amount, along with the lycopene
antioxidant.
• Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin that helps to resolve inflammation of the airways and chest congestion.
•Berries:
Blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries are rich in antioxidants
called anthocyanins (cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, peonidin, and
petunidin). Anthocyanins help reduce inflammation and mucus in the lungs
and can slow down age-related lung function decline.
• Chili: Chili
peppers are packed with capsaicin that helps to stimulate healthy
secretions to protect mucus membranes from upper and lower respiratory
tract infections.
- Tags:
- Food & Nutrition
- Nutrition