Page 22 - Florida Sentinel 3-26-21

Health
TURMERIC
Turmeric is one of the best foods for your lungs thanks to its content of curcumin, the chemical that pro- vides turmeric with its vibrant color and impressive health benefits.
Preliminary research suggests that the anti-inflammatory proper- ties of turmeric could aid in the treatment of several respiratory conditions, including asthma,
COPD, acute respiratory distress syndrome, lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis.
There are several factors that can affect lung health, including physical activity levels, genetics and environmental conditions. Diet also plays a key role in respiratory health, and incorporating a few of the best foods for your lungs into your diet is a simple strategy that can decrease inflammation, improve pulmonary function and help heal your respiratory tract. These foods have also been researched for their ability to enhance lung health and protect against a number of respi- ratory conditions.
Filling your plate with a few of the best foods for your lungs can help decrease inflammation, improve airway function and protect against certain types of pulmonary disease. Here are a few of the best foods for your lungs and airways.
BANANAS
Rich in potassium, fiber and vitamin C, bananas are a power- house of nutrition and can be es- pecially beneficial when it comes to lung health.
So why exactly is banana good for lungs? Studies show that the potassium found in bananas helps the lungs contract and expand, which can prevent breathing problems.
Other research has found that bananas could preserve lung func- tion and may even be associated with a lower risk of wheezing caused by childhood asthma.
SALMON
As one of the top lung cleans- ing foods, salmon is a great source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Some research sug- gests that these heart-healthy fats could help promote pulmonary blood flow and may be beneficial for certain respiratory conditions.
One study conducted by the Centre for Research in Environ- mental Epidemiology in Barcelona even found that consuming higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids was associated with lower markers of inflammation in those with COPD.
APPLES
Not only can an apple a day keep the doctor away, but apples may also help promote better lung health as well. One study pub- lished in The European Respira- tory Journal reported that apples could help slow declining lung function over a 10-year period, es- pecially for former smokers.
The phytochemicals found in apples has also been shown to de- crease oxidative stress and inflam- mation, which could potentially enhance pulmonary function.
GARLIC
Garlic possesses powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxi- dant properties that can help pro- tect against oxidative stress within the lungs and throughout the body. What’s more, one study out of China even found that consum- ing raw garlic at least two times per week was associated with a lower risk of developing lung can- cer over time.
GREEN TEA
Green tea is brimming with antioxidants and polyphenols that can be beneficial for lung function, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been shown to help suppress lung cancer cell growth in in vitro studies. Green tea also contains theophylline, a powerful compound that acts as a bronchodilator to improve airway function and ease breathing diffi- culties.
PAGE 10-B FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021