Page 20 - Florida Sentinel 4-17-20

Health
TURMERIC
Turmeric is one of the best foods for your lungs thanks to its content of curcumin, the chemi- cal that provides turmeric with its vibrant color and impressive health benefits.
Preliminary research suggests
that the anti-inflammatory prop-
erties of turmeric could aid in the treatment of several respira- tory conditions, including asthma, COPD, acute respiratory distress syndrome, lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis.
PART II
SALMON
As one of the top lung cleansing foods, salmon is a great source of anti-inflam- matory omega-3 fatty acids. Some research suggests that these heart-healthy fats could help promote pulmonary blood flow and may be bene- ficial for certain respiratory conditions.
One study conducted by the Centre for Research in Envi- ronmental Epidemiology in Barcelona even found that con- suming higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids was associated with lower markers of inflammation in those with COPD.
BANANAS
Rich in potassium, fiber and vitamin C, bananas are a pow- erhouse of nutrition and can be especially beneficial when it comes to lung health.
So why exactly is banana good for lungs? Studies show that the potassium found in ba- nanas helps the lungs contract and expand, which can prevent breathing problems.
Other research has found that bananas could preserve lung function and may even be associated with a lower risk of wheez- ing caused by childhood asthma.
LEAFY GREENS
Leafy greens like kale, spinach and arugula are jam- packed with essential nutri- ents that can support lung health, including antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals.
In fact, studies show that eating more leafy green veg- etables may be linked to a lower risk of lung cancer, COPD and adult asthma.
GINGER
Ginger is a potent spice that has been extensively studied for its medicinal prop- erties, especially when it comes to lung health. In one animal model, administering ginger to rats was effective at decreasing lung damage and protecting against inflamma- tion and excess oxygen levels.
Another animal model showed that ginger extract prevented DNA and tissue damage in the lungs caused by alcohol.
PAGE 8-B FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020