How eating nuts can boost lung function

Your lungs are important organs in the body. They bring in air from the atmosphere and pass oxygen into the bloodstream. Organs such as the heart and brain need oxygen-rich blood to function well. Lungs also regulate the acidity of the body.

However, damaged lungs can cause a lot of problems, including respiratory failure. 

The good news is that living a healthy lifestyle, which includes exercising and eating right, can help boost your lung function. 

Dietitian Sylven Masoga says it is important to check what you eat. 

He says nutritious foods will help boost the immune system and once the immune system is boosted, then you can be able to fight against certain illnesses and viruses through the strengthened immune system.

READ: Boosting your immune system through food

The dietitian says to boost your lung function, it is crucial that you eat anti-inflammatory foods. 

Anti-inflammatory foods contain “Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and anti-inflamatory fatty acids such as omega 3 fatty acids”.

He explains how nuts are good for helping improve lung function. 

Nuts contain Magnesium. “Magnesium is needed for muscle contraction and relaxation. So, anyone who takes nuts will benefit from the magnesium that will improve the elasticity [of the lungs],” says Masoga. 

He says nuts also contain fiber.

“Nuts are a good source of fiber. Fiber, which is the indigestible part of the carbohydrate, has been shown to display the anti-inflammatory properties,” says Masoga.

Lastly, Masoga says: “Nuts contain vasodilating properties through the release of nitric oxide." 

The dietitian says these properties are important because they ensure that there "is adequate blood flow to the lungs and therefore breathing becomes smooth".

READ: Tanzania president orders army to buy nuts

Image courtesy of iStock/ @margouillatphotos