Your lungs need to function at its full strength to keep you going. However, common external pollutants can affect your lungs and cause irreparable damage. You will face a lot of respiratory issues when your lungs are not healthy.

So, here is a list of foods that improve lung function.

Beetroots
if you’re not a fan of beets, you might want to learn to love them right away. Did you know that beetroots are rich sources of nitrates? Nitrates are known to relax blood vessels, bring down blood pressure, and help you breathe in oxygen better.

Pumpkin
Another wonder vegetable in the list of foods that improve lung function is pumpkin. Pumpkins contain a lot of vitamins and minerals that keep the body active and healthy. The vegetable is rich in carotenoids, which are anti-inflammatory and have antioxidants. Studies show that people who smoke may have up to 25% lesser carotenoids in the body that can affect the lungs.

Walnuts
Walnuts are one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These are also anti-inflammatory and have antioxidants that can fight a lot of respiratory problems, including asthma.

Turmeric
In the list of foods that improve lung function, one cannot forget the royal turmeric. Turmeric is known as a wonder spice and is rich in a compound called curcumin, which is one of the best naturally occurring antioxidant ingredients. A lot of studies conclude that an increase in curcumin helps improve lung function. You can add a pinch of turmeric to milk and drink it every day to make your lungs stronger.

Red cabbage
Red cabbage, apart from its attractive color, is also popular for improving the lung’s functions. Red cabbage contains anthocyanin, which gives the vegetable its color. The higher the level of anthocyanins in your body, the better your lungs will be.

Apples
This humble fruit can do wonders to maintain the health of your lungs. For people who smoke, apples can reduce the extent of damage to the lungs. People who consume apples a lot are also less prone to developing asthma attacks.

Apricots
Apricots are a rich source of vitamin A. This vitamin helps keep the respiratory tract lining intact, and consuming apricot regularly prevents lung irritation and breathing problems.

Water
Plain water is one of the best foods that improve lung function. Dehydration can cause dry lungs, and this leads to coughing, irritation, and breathing troubles. Drink at least 2-3 liters of water a day to stay hydrated.

All these foods that improve lung function are easily available. Make an effort to include them in your everyday meal. If you are a smoker, eating these healthy and nourishing foods will lessen the damage to your lungs. However, quitting smoking is one of the best solutions.