The lungs are vital to our health, and while they are among the most important of our organs, they are also some of the organs most often overlooked. People don’t typically think of taking care of their lung health, and they certainly do not typically think that diet can play a role in the health of their lungs.
The truth is, that our diet is critical to lung health. Here we’ll share with you a smoothie recipe for lung health and explain just how it helps to improve the lungs.
This simple smoothie recipe consists of:
- 2 oranges, juiced
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1-inch piece of ginger root, peeled and finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped pineapple, frozen overnight
- 5 mint leaves
- 1 tbsp. coconut oil
- 1 tbsp. raw agave
Table of Contents
Instructions
- Add everything to a blender and blend until smooth. If you want it a little thicker, you can add some ice cubes and blend until you have reached your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Serves 1
Health Benefits
Now that we’ve covered what the smoothie is made of, let’s discuss the health benefits and how this simple smoothie helps to improve lung health:
Oranges
Orange juice might be helpful in improving lung health by providing the body with flavonoids and vitamin C. Studies have shown that these ingredients might be linked with helping lung function and anti-inflammatory advantages.
Lemon
Lemon also contains Vitamin C and a bit of Vitamin A too, but some of the real benefits to lemon juice are that the acidity helps to break up phlegm which can help to clear congestion in the lungs and respiratory system.
Ginger
Ginger is an amazing herb with many health benefits. Ginger is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in your lungs. Ginger also helps to break down mucus, making it easier for your body to expel air, and it helps improve circulation to the lungs and reduces inflammation.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne is a spicy herb that helps to loosen bronchial secretions, making them easier to cough up and temporarily clearing the passageways of phlegm. Cayenne also greatly improves circulation in the body which may benefit the lungs.
Pineapple
Pineapple juice contains a mixture of enzymes called bromelain, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows that bromelain can help with respiratory problems that are tied to allergies and asthma. Research also suggests that bromelain enzymes have mucolytic properties that help break up and expel mucus.
Mint
The menthol in mint works as a decongestant, shrinking swollen membranes in the nose and making it easier to breathe, and also helps loosen mucus that has collected in the lungs.
Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is a healthy source of fat that provides plenty of nutrients, including Vitamin A and Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that has been shown to decrease asthma exacerbation and reduce inflammation. Enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defenses in the airways and lungs is a promising approach for treating respiratory diseases aggravated by allergies.
Raw Agave
The Agave is primarily used as a natural sweetener for the smoothie, but it does have demulcent properties, meaning that it relieves irritation and inflammation, which may be helpful for respiratory infections. It also has a low glycemic index and can help to boost metabolism.
Together, these ingredients make for a very healthy smoothie and one that works in several different ways to nourish your body and improve lung and respiratory health. The best part is it tastes amazing! Eating for your health can also be fun and delicious, and this delicious smoothie recipe is proof.
Don’t have enough time or ingredients for this recipe? Blendtopia has recently made their take of the Detox smoothie. Check it out here.
While many foods can help to improve lung health, perhaps the best thing you can take for lung health is an herbal lung detox product. Certain herbs have bioactive compounds that directly work on the lungs to enhance respiratory function. Zuma Nutrition’s Lung Detox & Support Tonic (https://www.zumanutrition.com/products/lung-support-tonic) is a great example of an herbal supplement specifically designed to improve lung health.
The lungs are important organs they play a vital role in our health. Be sure to take care of your lungs with the food and herbs that you consume, so that your lungs can continue to take care of you.
