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.