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Discover Lung-Nurturing Superfoods for Better Respiratory Health

Published : Jun 24, 2021 2 mins read Updated On : Dec 07, 2023

Foods That Are Good For Your Lungs

In the current times of covid-19, it is absolutely essential to take good care of your lungs and consume foods that will keep your lungs healthy. However, common factors such as smoking or exposure to cigarette smoke, environmental toxins, pollution as well as consumption of an inflammatory, unhealthy diet, can take a toll on your lung health and its efficient functioning.

Studies have shown that certain lifestyle modifications, following a nutrient-rich diet, proper supplementation and breathing exercises can help protect your lungs and even help reduce lung damage and symptoms of diseases such as Covid-19, COPD, Pneumonia, etc.

Here's a list of some foods that are good for your lungs:

1. Peppers 

Peppers are a great source of Vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant. It is especially important for those who smoke, due to damaging effects of cigarette smoke on the body’s antioxidant stores. Various case studies reported from across the world prove that low levels of vitamin C are typically observed in patients with respiratory diseases - the most likely explanation being increased metabolic consumption.

2. Turmeric

Foods That Are Good For Your Lungs

It is often used to promote overall health due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin, the main active component in turmeric, may be especially beneficial for supporting lung function. Curcumin helps the body to naturally clean the respiratory tract, and thereby helps fight the viral infections. Its anti-inflammatory characteristics relieve individuals from the intense impact of cold and flu.

3. Berries

Berries are loaded with many nutrients, and their consumption has been associated with numerous health benefits including lung health. They are rich in Anthocyanins, which are powerful substances that have been proven to protect lung tissue from oxidative damage.

4. Pumpkin 

Foods That Are Good For Your Lungs

Pumpkins constitute a variety of lung-health-promoting chemical compounds. They’re rich in carotenoids, such as beta carotene, lutein, & zeaxanthin — which exhibit powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics, essential for the maintenance of good lung health. Evidence suggests that smokers benefit from consumption of carotenoid rich foods.

5. Apples

Apples constitute a high concentration of antioxidants including flavonoids and Vitamin C, vitamins, minerals and healthy fibers. Consumption of more than 5 apples in a week is associated with improved lung functioning and reduced risk of developing respiratory diseases. It helps build resistance against viral attacks & other lifestyle diseases.

6.Whole Grains 

Foods That Are Good For Your Lungs

Whole grains are beneficial for your lungs. They mainly comprise brown rice, whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta, oats, quinoa, and barley. Not only are whole-grain foods rich in fiber, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but they are also a rich source of Vitamin E, selenium, and essential fatty acids, which are good for improving your lung health.

7. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like spinach, broccoli and kale are good for enhancing your lung health. Leafy greens are some of the best sources of carotenoids, vitamins, iron, and potassium.. They exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic properties. Vitamin C and vitamin E also work together in unison and help to alleviate lung inflammation.

8. Beets

Beets are rich in nitrates, which are beneficial in improving lung function. Nitrates help relax blood vessels, decrease blood pressure, and optimize oxygen uptake in the body. They also contain carotenoids and antioxidants that protect against free radicals and ensure good lung health.

Thus, a healthy diet supports you and goes a long way to keep infections at bay. Consumption of nutrients in the form of foods and supplements having antioxidant & anti inflammatory action greatly helps in maintaining a healthy respiratory system.


Vaishnavi Gadi
Vaishnavi Gadi
Women Health & Nutrition

Vaishnavi is passionate about health and nutrition supplements. She takes serious efforts to update her knowledge about health and wellness, especially women health requirements. She writes article... Read More

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