Health

Reduce your risk of COPD with these 30 fruits & veggies

Adding certain fruits and vegetables to your diet can help reduce your risk of developing Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here are 30 fruits and veggies that may help protect your lungs from harmful pollutants while boosting overall health by Chelsea Parham
Estimated reading time: 4 min 18 sec
Reduce your risk of COPD with these 30 fruits & veggies Photo by Madalin Grigore on Pexels

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common and devastating lung condition that can lead to respiratory failure and significantly impact quality of life.

The disease is usually caused by long-term exposure to air pollutants, such as cigarette smoke, but genetics and other factors can also play a role.

While there is no cure for COPD, there are a number of lifestyle changes and therapies that can help reduce symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

One way to potentially reduce your risk of developing COPD in the first place is to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Here are 30 fruits and veggies that may help protect your lungs:.

1. Apples

Apples are loaded with antioxidants that can help protect your lungs from damage caused by free radicals. One study even found that regularly eating apples was associated with a lower risk of COPD.

2. Apricots

Apricots are a rich source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. This vitamin is essential for maintaining healthy lung tissue and may play a role in preventing emphysema, a type of lung damage that is common in COPD.

3. Asparagus

Asparagus is high in vitamin K, which has been shown to improve lung function and reduce the risk of COPD in people who smoke.

4. Avocado

Avocados are a good source of vitamin E, which has been shown to help protect the lungs from oxidative damage. This type of damage can contribute to the development of COPD.

5. Beetroot

Beetroot is high in nitrates, which have been shown to improve lung function and reduce the risk of COPD.

6. Bell peppers

Bell peppers are a rich source of vitamin C, which can help protect the lungs from damage caused by pollution and other environmental toxins.

7. Berries

Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and other berries are all loaded with antioxidants that can help protect the lungs from damage caused by free radicals.

8. Broccoli

Broccoli is high in sulforaphane, a compound that has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the lungs and improve lung function.

9. Brussels sprouts

Like broccoli, Brussels sprouts are high in sulforaphane and may help reduce inflammation in the lungs.

10. Carrots

Carrots are another good source of beta-carotene, which is essential for maintaining healthy lung tissue.

11. Celery

Celery is high in flavonoids, which have been shown to improve lung function and reduce the risk of COPD.

12. Cherries

Cherries are loaded with antioxidants that can help protect the lungs from damage caused by pollutants and other environmental toxins.

13. Cranberries

Cranberries are high in polyphenols, which have been shown to improve lung function and reduce the risk of COPD in smokers.

14. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are high in vitamin K, which has been shown to improve lung function and reduce the risk of COPD in smokers.

Related Article 30 Fruits & Vegetables that can lower your risk of COPD 30 Fruits & Vegetables that can lower your risk of COPD

15. Figs

Figs are a rich source of fiber, which can help reduce inflammation in the lungs and improve lung function.

16. Garlic

Garlic is high in allicin, a compound that has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the lungs and improve lung function.

17. Grapefruit

Grapefruit is a good source of vitamin C, which can help protect the lungs from damage caused by pollutants and other environmental toxins.

18. Grapes

Grapes are loaded with antioxidants that can help protect the lungs from damage caused by free radicals.

19. Green beans

Green beans are a good source of folic acid, which has been shown to improve lung function and reduce the risk of COPD.

20. Kiwifruit

Kiwifruit is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help protect the lungs from damage caused by pollution and other environmental toxins.

21. Lemons

Lemons are a good source of vitamin C, which can help protect the lungs from damage caused by pollutants and other environmental toxins.

22. Mango

Mango is high in beta-carotene, which is essential for maintaining healthy lung tissue.

23. Onion

Onion is high in quercetin, a compound that has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the lungs and improve lung function.

24. Oranges

Oranges are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help protect the lungs from damage caused by pollution and other environmental toxins.

25. Peaches

Like apricots, peaches are a rich source of beta-carotene, which is essential for maintaining healthy lung tissue.

26. Pineapple

Pineapple is high in bromelain, a compound that has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the lungs and improve lung function.

27. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is high in vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy lung tissue.

28. Red cabbage

Red cabbage is high in anthocyanins, which have been shown to improve lung function and reduce the risk of COPD in smokers.

29. Spinach

Spinach is high in carotenoids, which have been shown to improve lung function and reduce the risk of COPD.

30. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a good source of beta-carotene, which is essential for maintaining healthy lung tissue.

Final thoughts

While incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet can potentially reduce your risk of COPD, it is important to remember that diet alone is not enough to prevent or manage the disease.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, avoiding exposure to pollutants, and quitting smoking if you are a current smoker is crucial.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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