A new study conducted in Sweden has discovered that eating more fruits and vegetables may lower your susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (also known as COPD). In fact, of the 40,000 smokers studied, those who ate 5 or more servings of fruit and veggies every day were up to 40% less likely to suffer from COPD than those who ate 2 or fewer servings a day.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD describes a variety of different types of lung disease that can cause wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing. The most common types of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which are more likely to occur in those who currently smoke tobacco or have a history of tobacco smoke. Fruits and vegetables are able to help keep these lung problems at bay because of the antioxidants they contain.
People with a history of cigarette and other tobacco smoke who have a high consumption of leafy greens are around 35% less likely to develop lung disease than those with lower fruit and vegetable intake. In fact, each additional serving of fruits and veggies a day can provide a 4% decrease in the risk of developing COPD.
The types of produce found to be most helpful include:
- Leafy greens
In the end, the most helpful thing you can do to lower your risk of developing COPD is to quit smoking. While eating more fruits and vegetables can help reduce the chances, keeping your lungs free of harmful substances is still the best way to keep them healthy.
While harmful to your lungs and other parts of your body, tobacco usage can also damage your teeth and gums and is linked to an increased risk for gum disease and periodontitis. If you suffer from gum disease and would like to make an appointment, please contact Denver Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery today. Our oral surgery office is located in Denver, CO.