Pears, bluebells, ginger, etc. they help maintain the health of the bronchi
As the weather gets colder, changes occur in the body. A continuous dry cough in a dry throat and a clear runny nose shows no signs of stopping. These days, bronchial diseases are easily misunderstood as COVID-19. Bronchial inflammation can lead to lung disease, so regular management is needed.
It is good to get in the habit of wearing several layers of thin clothing in preparation for a large temperature difference and warming your neck with a scarf if you have symptoms such as a cough or sore throat. To boost immunity, refrain from drinking and exercise for 30 minutes or more three times a week to increase stamina. Dryness worsens bronchial symptoms, so increase your water intake and use a humidifier to maintain proper indoor humidity.
It is also good to eat foods that take care of the health of the bronchi. Let’s find out together which of the ingredients readily available around us is good for our bronchi.
◆ Onion
The quercetin component of the onion activates the immune function of the lungs and bronchi, protecting our body from harmful substances and preventing bronchial inflammation. It is rich in soluble dietary fiber, which favors the discharge of waste products from the body and prevents the accumulation of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol in the blood vessels, also excellent in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. According to a study in Germany, ‘thiosulfate’, a component of onion essential oil, helps stop the allergic reaction of bronchial asthma, which is a symptom, and expands the bronchi to facilitate breathing.
◆ Pear
The fresh and sweet component of pear luteolin removes inflammation in the body and relieves cough and phlegm. It is also rich in digestive enzymes such as oxidase and invertase, which prevent indigestion during the change of seasons when immunity is low. Additionally, organic amino acids improve liver function to remove toxic substances from the body and improve fatigue. It is also good to eat pears when you have a high fever with a cold. Catechin and albumin lower body temperature and abundant juices and sugars replenish body fluids to prevent dehydration.
◆ bellflower
Bellflower, which is well known as a health food for the bronchi along with pears, has an attractive taste. The bitter-tasting saponin protects the bronchi from fine dust and external pollutants and relieves the symptoms of inflammation. In particular, antoxanthin is abundant in white vegetables, which promotes the discharge of waste products from the body and improves immunity by increasing resistance to bacteria and viruses. According to a paper published by the Rural Development Administration, if the bluebell is heated to 60 degrees Celsius for 2 hours, the saponin content increases by 8 times, so it is better to drink it as a juice rather than eat it raw.
◆ ginger
Gingerol and shogaol, which have a pungent and unique flavor in ginger, raise body temperature, improve blood circulation, and boost immunity. The raffinose component has a bactericidal effect, which prevents the growth of bacteria and helps relieve the symptoms of inflammation. The University of South Carolina in the United States found that ginger has a low inflammation-inducing index and is effective in reducing inflammation in the body. On the other hand, ginger dilates blood vessels, so people with high blood pressure or hemorrhoids should be careful.
◆ Sweet pumpkin
Yellow vegetables such as sweet potatoes and sweet squash are rich in beta-carotene, which is absorbed by the body and converted into vitamin A. It improves blood vessel health by removing free radicals in the body and also prevents infections by strengthening the mucous membranes nose and throat. It also promotes the growth of skin cells, relieving symptoms of inflammation and helping to stop cough and phlegm. However, smokers should be cautious about consuming beta-carotene. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USPSFT) recommend not taking beta-carotene supplements because they increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers.
