Carrots, sweet potatoes, melons, and foods such as spinach and kale can protect your lungs, especially for smokers or those frequently exposed to secondhand smoke, as these foods can slow down the decline in lung function and have a rejuvenating effect on the lungs. This is according to an article in the latest issue of the French journal "Thorax."
The author of this article, an expert from the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research, tested the lung function of 1,194 adults aged 20-44, as well as the levels of vitamins A and E and beta-carotene in their blood. The results showed that over an 8-year period, people with higher levels of beta-carotene in their blood experienced a lesser decline in lung function. Furthermore, among those who smoked at least 20 cigarettes a day, those with higher levels of beta-carotene and vitamin E in their blood had a slower decline in lung function.
In addition to protecting the lungs, eating more carrots can also provide other health benefits. A recent study in the United States confirmed that eating two carrots a day can lower blood cholesterol levels by 10-20%; eating three carrots a day has certain benefits for preventing heart disease and tumors.