Maintaining healthy lungs is necessary to steer clear of symptoms associated with a slew of respiratory disorders. Due to the presence of toxic elements and pollution in the environment, not maintaining a healthy lifestyle can lead the development of lung disorders. This is why experts and nutritionists suggest consuming foods that keep your lungs healthy. At the same, they have also warned against the foods that contribute to the lung disease.

Best Foods for a Healthy Lungs

In light of this, mentioned below is a comprehensive list of foods that are necessary to maintain healthy lungs. These foods includes carrots, apples, cantaloupe, flax seeds, coffee, garlic, avocado, honey, turmeric and berries.

1. Carrots

Carrots aren’t only healthy for your eyes, but the beta-carotene found in the vegetable is also beneficial for the health of your lungs. Beta-carotene converts into vitamin A that will help prevent various respiratory diseases such as asthma. This is why nutritionists emphasize on consuming fresh carrots as they are extremely nourishing for your overall wellbeing.

2. Apples

According to a recent study eating apples regularly can lower the risk of asthma up to 32%. If you don’t consume it daily, you will more likely to develop symptoms of asthma. Moreover, the compounds found in apples such flavonoids and khellin can effectively open up airways letting you breathe without any difficulty.

3. Cantaloupe

Free radicals can damage your lungs and to prevent them leading to debilitating and harrowing diseases such as lung cancer, you need to incorporate cantaloupe into your diet. The fruit is magical as it is loaded with Vitamin C, which has a potential to fight life-threatening free radicals. If you have a history of asthma or other respiratory problem, it is suggested to start consuming cantaloupes. Consuming foods that contain vitamin C such as oranges, lemons, etc. are said to have a positive effect on your lungs.

4. Flax seeds

Foods enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and Magnesium is essential to maintain strong lungs. Flax seeds can become a great source to consume these powerful compounds. Apart from flax seeds, you can consume salmon and oily fish to ward-off symptoms that contribute to asthma.

5. Coffee

It is indeed surprising yet fascinating that drinking coffee can keep respiratory problems at bay. You can treat lungs issues like inflammation, infection or even asthmatic symptoms only consuming one warm cup of coffee regularly. However, there is no evidence available that whether consuming more than one cup will have an adverse effect on your respiratory health or not. This magical beverage is loaded with antioxidants and other minerals that are necessary to maintain properly functioning lungs.

6. Garlic

Nutritionists recommend consuming garlic to prevent lungs problems due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It prevents various inflammations in the body that might affect your lungs. Incorporating garlic in the diet of asthma patients is also suggested as it shows a positive effect on their condition. However, it is better to consult with your doctor before opting for self-medication.

7. Avocado

Avocado is one of the most important foods that improve your respiratory health significantly. It is loaded with an antioxidant known as glutathione, which that is responsible to fight free radicals as they can damage essential cells in your body. Damaged cells result in various daunting health problems and can damage your lungs.  Therefore, incorporate at least one avocado in your daily routine and you will notice its benefits.

8. Turmeric

Turmeric posses a number of health benefits and lung maintenance is one of them. The spice is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties that protect your lungs against various inflammations that are caused by toxic substances. Therefore, don’t forget to add it to your meals and make the most of it.

9. Berries

Berries, specifically the dark ones, are not only mouthwatering in taste, but they are packed with numerous healthy properties and compounds. Antioxidants are one of them and consuming foods containing antioxidants is necessary to fight cancerous cells. Apart from this, minor benefits associated with consuming berries are that they fight infections. You can now have another healthy option to incorporate into your fruit salad.

Worst Foods for a Healthy Lungs

Here is a list containing foods that are dangerous for the health of your lungs.

10. Eggs

You might like having eggs in the breakfast but it can contribute to lung problems such as asthma and can lead to various allergies. This reaction is common in children, but if the symptoms of allergies are severe then it is suggested to stop consuming eggs and consult with your doctor. In case of asthma, experts suggest stopping eggs consumption and as well as consumption of products made with eggs. However, do not try to treat your asthma with remedies and always consult with your physician in this regard.

11. Peanuts

Peanuts are another healthy yet tasty food but not everyone can consume it because the tasty delight of nature can have a damaging effect on the lungs.  Peanuts have components that may trigger allergic reactions so it better to avoid consuming peanuts or products made with it once you find out about your allergies. According to several studies, peanuts can have a negative effect for people suffering with asthma.

12. Salt

You cannot imagine preparing food without adding salt to it, but for some, adding salt is big no-no. Salt contains properties that don’t benefit everyone. If you are suffering from breathing issues, it is recommended to limit salt intake. Consuming salt during that condition contributes to inflammation that causes by fluid retention. According to experts, people who have asthmatic symptoms should consume lesser amounts of sodium.

13. Shellfish

Shellfish is another food that contributes to lung problems. It is also responsible to cause allergy in children and adults alike due to the components it possesses. Apart from shellfish, nutritionists also warn against seafood like crayfish, crab, shrimp, etc. to prevent people dealing with lungs problems.

14. Wine

According to nutritionists, wine is dangerous for your lungs and can lead to the development of asthmatic symptoms. It contains a preservative referred to as sulfite, which can cause serious lung problems. If you are a wine drinker, you need to limit its intake to protect your lungs from severe damages.

Bottom Line

Your lungs are what keep you breathing nice and easy; overloading them by making bad lifestyle choices can lead to irreversible damages as you grow up. Plus, you don’t want to depend on medications prescribed for respiratory illnesses earlier in life. The medications can lead to a significant onset of side effects that in turn can lead to other health complications. So, stick to the foods mentioned earlier and try to steer clear of the foods that can cause significant lung damage.