Air pollution has been named as one of the ten global health threats. In fact, it is reported that air pollution kills more people than communicable diseases and shorten life by approximately two years.
The worst part of this menace is that, air pollution is found both outdoors and indoors. As we breath in and out polluted air, we risk our body organs, lungs, liver, heart, kidney to chronic ailments.
Studies have revealed that certain foods can aid in cleaning the body especially airways. These food are to be rich in vitamin C and E, antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory factor.
Below are such five foods that help the body detox from air pollution.
Avocado
The mention of avocado should put a smile on your face, I mean even the China want us to supply them with avocado. The fruit is rich in Vitamin E which can hinder the effects of certain types of particulate pollution.
It is also an antioxidant which is very important for the liver during the detoxification process, thus it cleanses the liver.
Other food that work the same as avocado for this purpose are; spinach, kale (sukuma), and almonds.
Tomatoes
Whether you view it as a vegetable or fruit, tomatoes contain lycopene a natural pigment that gives fruits and vegetable red color. It thus makes the tomato an antioxidant which protects against cell damages and respiratory illnesses.
Broccoli
This vegetable contains a compound known as sulforaphane that helps the body to remove pollutants agents like benzene and a lung irritant known as acrolein. It is also anti-inflammatory.
Eating or drinking of broccoli removes pollutants through excretion. It is additionally helpful with prevention of cancer and weight loss.
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Oranges
Vitamin C is one of the most active measures against oxidative damage in the lungs, thus it plays as a cleansing anti-oxidant. The vitamin C in oranges may also boost a person’s immunity to everyday viruses and infections such as the common cold.
Olive Oil
The vitamin E contained in olive oil, Alpha-tocopherol, improves lung function. The fatty acids contained in olive oil are also helpful for reducing inflammation. Consumption of olive oil through salad maximizes its health properties as opposed to cooking it.
