We all know about eating for our gut, but did you know there are a number of foods known to boost your lung health too? We’ve collated 3 of nourishing foods known to strengthen and improve the function of your lungs.

Want to breathe easy and keep those lungs in top-notch condition? It's time to take a look at your diet. There are also the other obvious dangers to lung health like smoking and excess environmental pollution, but many of us are guilty of overlooking the choices we make on our plates every day. After all, eating for lung health is a breath of fresh air – literally! Here are 3 lung-boosting foods worth prioritising. 

Herbal tea

Herbal teas can be especially beneficial for your lungs – particularly green tea. Research indicates that this soothing beverage can reduce scarring in the lungs, with one study finding that regularly consuming it significantly reduced pulmonary fibrosis. This condition involves the progressive scarring of the lungs – and it’s the epigallocatechin gallate in green tea, an antioxidant, which is responsible for the protective benefits that come with the drink.

Broccoli

Broccoli is one of the best choices when it comes to eating for your lungs – and your whole body too! One of the key nutrients in broccoli that makes it beneficial for lung health in particular is vitamin C. This antioxidant is especially helpful for protecting cells in the lungs from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which are harmful molecules that often reach us through exposure to environmental pollutants, such as cigarette smoke or air pollution. Vitamin C also supports the immune system, which plays a crucial role in maintaining lung health and fighting respiratory infections. Furthermore, broccoli contains a compound called sulforaphane, which has been found to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Studies have shown that sulforaphane can help activate the body's defence mechanisms against respiratory inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to – you guessed it – lung health. So, add some broccoli to your dinner tonight! Or better yet, try our delicious broccoli tabouli. 

Apple

Apples have long been touted as immune-boosting, gut-regulating fruit – and for good reason. They’re loaded with fibre and vitamin C, not to mention a whole host of other antioxidants. Research shows that regular consumption of these delicious fruits can improve the function of our lungs, with one study finding lower levels of lung decline in ex-smokers who ate apples. Another study found that eating 5 apples a week promotes better lung function and significantly reduces the risk for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD describes a group of conditions which block and restrict air flow, causing breathing and breathing-related problems. An apple a day may even reduce your risk for asthma and lung cancer as a result of its antioxidants, according to research. So, enjoy an apple a day, as the old saying goes! Might not keep the doctor away completely, but it will give you lung health an impressive boost.

Need a hand getting your lifestyle goals on track? Whether you’re looking to eat healthier or fight off a sugar addiction, we’re here to help. Join us for the 8-Week Program and we’ll help you change the way you look at food – and that doesn’t mean you have to follow restrictive diets or miss out on your favourite foods; we believe you can still enjoy delicious food without jeopardising your health. With celebrity chef Sarah Glover on our panel of experts, you’ll have an array of fun recipes at your fingertips, along with our own exclusive armoury of simple, tasty and healthy recipes for everything from daily meals to impressive entertaining. We know it can be hard to stick to your health goals – especially when you’re trying to manage it alone. When you sign up with us, you’ll have access to clear-cut meal plans, community support and exclusive access to our sugar-free content. Here’s what’s on offer:

1. 8 weeks of meal plans and shopping lists.
2. 90+ member-only recipes.
3. Community forums to share your journey.
4. Support and guidance from the I Quit Sugar team.
5. Exclusive content from our panel of experts.

So, if you’re ready to ditch sugar and the host of maladies that come with it, it’s not too late to join. We’d love to help you get started on your health journey. Sign up HERE today!