Keeping your lungs strong and healthy can help you ward off serious respiratory issues and diseases. However, environmental pollution, inflammatory foods, smoke, and existing conditions can take a toll on these organs by affecting the airways, tissues, or vessels in the lungs. Simple lifestyle modifications, nutrient-rich meals, and regular exercise have been associated with better lung function and repairing any sort of lung damage. So, here are a few foods that can improve lung health: Tomatoes Carotenoids like lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin found in tomatoes can improve lung health. These components exhibit powerful antioxidant properties that help them fight free radicals that damage the cells of the lungs. Further, tomato, and its products, can help reduce inflammation in the lungs caused by diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Rich in potassium and vitamins E and B, tomatoes can also help reduce the risk of lung cancer and help prevent emphysema, a condition that damages the air sacs in the lungs. Studies indicate lycopene in this fruit can slow down the decline of lung function that comes with age, so this should be added to your meal plan. Apples Apples, when consumed regularly, can improve respiratory health as they can help purify or cleanse the lungs. This fruit is rich in plant chemicals known as flavonoids which exhibit antioxidant properties. Apples lower the risk of diabetes and heart diseases while strengthening the capacity of the air sacs in the lungs. The antioxidants in apples offer countless health benefits, including mitigating the effects of asthma. Enriched with vitamin C, apples can also boost your immunity, improve the condition of the airways, and help you stay energized. Another antioxidant called quercetin in apples has also been associated with improving lung function. Pumpkin Adding pumpkins to your food plan is a simple yet effective way to improve lung health.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in the performance of different organs, including the eyes. Our eyes are made up of vascular tissue, which means the foods that are unhealthy for the heart are unhealthy for the eyes too. The tiny capillaries in the eyes supply the retina with oxygen and nutrients to keep it healthy. However, foods rich in unhealthy fats can block these blood vessels, compromising eye function and leading to vision problems. French fries French fries are often made in the same oil and even reheated multiple times, leading to molecular changes that increase the concentration of harmful fats. A high amount of these fats affects the eyes, heart, and other organs. Also, free radicals in fried foods increase oxidation in the body, which can damage the eyes. Margarine Margarine is often advertised as the healthier butter, but it is rich in trans fats— the fat that increases bad cholesterol levels. Increased cholesterol leads to blockages in arteries and other blood vessels, restricting the flow of oxygen, blood, and nutrients. It, in turn, can increase the risk of eye diseases. Healthy alternatives to margarine are coconut oil, avocado oil, and olive oil. Processed meat Highly processed meats, like sausages, bacon, and hot dogs, are convenient snacking options. But they are another reason for high cholesterol. The high-fat content harms the eyes, heart, and other vital organs. Regular intake causes plaque build-up in macular vessels, obstructing blood flow to the eyes and increasing the risk of macular degeneration and retina damage. Frozen meals Frozen pizzas and other ready-to-eat meals are convenient when in a rush. But that is their only benefit. They have a lot of added preservatives, sugar, and salt, which are detrimental to eye health. Adding a lot of frozen foods to the meal plan can also lead to an increased risk of eye conditions caused by diabetes and lifestyle diseases.

Depression is a growing concern among health care workers as well as the populace. The fact that the condition is not restricted to a demographic makes it even more difficult to deal with. Being mindful about the food being consumed or daily habits have proven to be beneficial for depression and other mental health conditions. Here are three foods that work tirelessly towards better management of depression and its symptoms. Sweet potato Sweet potatoes are a staple of many festive meals. But research shows that they may just be the perfect food for all seasons. Sweet potatoes are rich in many nutrients such as vitamin A, beta-carotene, and fiber. They are also rich sources of magnesium, which is known to reduce the levels of stress and anxiety in the body. Lower levels of magnesium have been linked to depression and insomnia. The complex carbohydrates present in sweet potatoes are also known to improve one’s mood, making it an ideal food source to manage depression symptoms. Dark chocolate Chocolates are considered unhealthy in most cases, but if it is the dark and unsweetened kind, it has several health benefits, especially for people with a mental health condition. The large quantities of antioxidants found in a bar of dark chocolate not only help manage stress but also lends a helping hand in managing anxiety and depression. A small bite of dark cocoa can also go a long way in improving one’s mood, managing depression, and its symptoms. Green vegetables Green vegetables make up for nutrient deficiencies. They also help one meet their fiber needs and lower inflammation in the body. The folate content of these vegetables is responsible for enhanced dopamine and serotonin production, helping manage symptoms of depression better. However, there are times when a multidisciplinary treatment approach is required. In such cases, health care professionals can choose to prescribe some medications to their patients.