​Keeping your lungs healthy is essential to feeling your best. Yet, common factors, including exposure to cigarette smoke and environmental toxins, as well as eating an inflammatory diet, can take a toll on this pair of important organs.

However, research has shown that lifestyle modifications can help protect your lungs. What’s more, specific nutrients and foods have been identified to be particularly beneficial for lung function.

​Let’s load up our plates with some powerful goodies to keep us happy and healthy well into the new year.

​❤️Beets
Contain compounds that optimize lung function like nitrates since they help relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and optimize oxygen uptake.

🌶Peppers
Amongst the richest sources of vitamin C, a water-soluble nutrient that acts as a powerful antioxidant in your body. Getting enough vitamin C is especially important for those who smoke. In fact, consuming just 1 medium-sized sweet red pepper delivers 169% of the recommended intake for vitamin C!

🍎Apples
Apple intake has been linked to a lower risk of asthma and lung cancer. This may be due to the high concentration of antioxidants in apples, including flavonoids and vitamin C.

​🎃Pumpkin
Rich in carotenoids, including beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin — all of which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

💙Blueberries
Blueberries are loaded with nutrients like anthocyanins which are powerful pigments that have been shown to protect lung tissue from oxidative damage

🥬Swiss chard
High in magnesium which helps protect against inflammation, and it helps bronchioles — tiny airways inside your lungs — stay relaxed, preventing airway restriction.

Moral of the story: Don’t skip the leafy greens at meal time!🥗