These days we‘re all paying special attention to one organ: our lungs. Every day it filters about 12,000 liters of air for us, consisting of 78 percent nitrogen and 21 percent oxygen. This vital organ is quite powerful!
It makes sure that our cells are supplied with plenty of oxygen. To keep it that way, we have done some research on what foods keep our lungs fit.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University in the USA have found that the lung function of ex-smokers recovers better if they eat an apple and at least two tomatoes a day. This would also measurably slow down an age-related decrease in lung function.
A lung study (European Community Respiratory Health Survey) by European scientists has come to a very similar conclusion. In this ten-year study, 680 adults from Norway, Great Britain and Germany were also asked about their eating habits. The more fruit and especially tomatoes they ate, the slower the lung function diminished.
The authors of the study suspect that the antioxidant lycopene in tomatoes in particular helps to counteract the reduction in lung function.
Brokkoli.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University also discovered that the secondary plant substance sulforaphane contained in broccoli can reactivate a certain gene in smokers. This gene protects the cells and thus, of course, the cells of the lungs from pollutants and toxins, as well.
Ginger and onions.
Ginger and onions are also good for the lungs, especially when you have a cold. They have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. And the essential oils they contain also help to loosen mucus from the bronchi and lungs.
For a delicious ginger tea, wash the tuber thoroughly and cut part of it into small slices, pour hot water over them and steep for at least 5 minutes. And then sweeten with honey to taste.
Strengthening our lungs is therefore not difficult at all and can also be quite delicious: we do a lot right with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Because they contain lots of antioxidants that protect the cells from toxins and harmful substances. And very important: regular exercise out in the fresh air – and then breathe in and out deeply!
Sources: fitbook.de, lungeninformationsdienst.de, brigitte.de, focus.de, netdoktor.at (German)
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