Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that obstructs the airways and makes it hard to breathe.
COPD is a progressive disease and there is no cure, but there are ways to help manage the symptoms and lower your risk of developing it. One way is through diet, specifically by consuming fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce lung damage and inflammation in the body.
Here are thirty fruits and vegetables that can lower your risk of COPD:.
Berries
Berries are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the body. Some examples of berries are:.
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Cranberries
Leafy greens
Leafy greens are high in vitamins A and C, which are essential for healthy lung function. Some examples of leafy greens are:.
- Kale
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
- Collard greens
- Arugula
Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce lung damage and inflammation. Some examples of cruciferous vegetables are:.
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Kohlrabi
Beans and legumes
Beans and legumes are high in fiber and protein, which can contribute to a healthy diet. Some examples of beans and legumes are:.
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Black beans
- Kidney beans
- Pinto beans
Oranges and citrus fruits
Oranges and citrus fruits are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. Some examples of citrus fruits are:.
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Lemons
- Limes
- Tangerines
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are high in antioxidants, such as lycopene, which protect against lung damage and reduce inflammation. Tomatoes are also low in calories and high in vitamin C.
Peppers
Peppers are high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Some examples of peppers are:.
- Bell peppers
- Jalapeno peppers
- Cayenne peppers
- Serrano peppers
- Habanero peppers
Ginger
Ginger contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body, which can prevent lung damage. Ginger is often used in cooking or can be made into tea.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric has been shown to reduce inflammation in the lungs. Turmeric is often used in cooking or can be taken in supplement form.
Avocado
Avocado is high in healthy fats, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can protect against lung damage and reduce inflammation. Avocado can be used in cooking or added to salads or smoothies.
Beets
Beets contain nitrates, which have been shown to improve lung function. Beets are also high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Beets can be roasted, pickled, or added to salads or smoothies.
Celery
Celery is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Celery is also high in fiber, which can contribute to a healthy diet. Celery can be eaten raw, cooked, or added to soups or stews.
Onions
Onions contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help protect against lung damage and reduce inflammation. Onions can be eaten raw or cooked and are often used in a variety of dishes.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are high in vitamins A and C, which are essential for healthy lung function. Sweet potatoes are also high in fiber, which can contribute to a healthy diet. Sweet potatoes can be baked, roasted, or added to casseroles or soups.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help protect against lung damage and reduce inflammation. Mushrooms can be added to a variety of dishes or eaten as a snack.
Garlic
Garlic contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which can prevent lung damage. Garlic can be used in cooking or taken in supplement form.
Cucumber
Cucumber is high in vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, which can contribute to healthy lung function. Cucumber is also low in calories and high in water content, which can help with hydration.
Cucumber can be eaten raw or added to salads or smoothies.
Papaya
Papaya is high in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, which can protect against lung damage and reduce inflammation. Papaya is also low in calories and high in fiber. Papaya can be eaten raw or added to smoothies or salads.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is high in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and potassium, which are essential for healthy lung function. Pumpkin is also low in calories and high in fiber. Pumpkin can be roasted, baked, or added to soups or stews.
Watermelon
Watermelon is high in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium, which can contribute to healthy lung function. Watermelon is also low in calories and high in water content, which can help with hydration.
Watermelon can be eaten raw or added to smoothies or salads.
Bananas
Bananas are high in vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, which are essential for healthy lung function. Bananas are also low in calories and high in fiber. Bananas can be eaten raw or added to smoothies or used as a natural sweetener in baking.
Artichokes
Artichokes are high in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium, which can contribute to healthy lung function. Artichokes are also high in fiber, which can contribute to a healthy diet.
Artichokes can be roasted, steamed, or added to salads or dips.
Lettuce
Lettuce is high in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and potassium, which are essential for healthy lung function. Lettuce is also low in calories and high in water content, which can help with hydration.
Lettuce can be eaten raw or added to salads or wraps.
Carrots
Carrots are high in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and potassium, which are essential for healthy lung function. Carrots are also high in fiber, which can contribute to a healthy diet.
Carrots can be eaten raw, roasted, or added to soups or stews.
Asparagus
Asparagus is high in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium, which can contribute to healthy lung function. Asparagus is also high in fiber, which can contribute to a healthy diet.
Asparagus can be roasted, grilled, or added to salads or omelets.
Cabbage
Cabbage is high in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium, which can contribute to healthy lung function. Cabbage is also high in fiber, which can contribute to a healthy diet.
Cabbage can be eaten raw, cooked, or used in stir-frys or soups.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is high in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium, which can contribute to healthy lung function. Cauliflower is also high in fiber, which can contribute to a healthy diet.
Cauliflower can be roasted, steamed, or used in soups or salads.
Squash
Squash is high in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and potassium, which can contribute to healthy lung function. Squash is also low in calories and high in fiber. Squash can be roasted, baked, or added to soups or stews.