We are inhaling dangerous levels of pollution these days. While the Indian government and people, in general, roam around on the roads oblivious to the damage that is being done to their bodies, researchers and environmentalists are in horror of its future implications. Contrary to what most people believe - breathing in the polluted air just doesn't make your skin dull and give you a cough, it can cause some serious diseases in the long-term. So it essential to maintain healthy lungs by consuming healthy lungs food !

According to a report by India Today, by 2050, 6 million people will die in India per year due to air pollution.

5 Healthy Lungs Food

While we single-handedly cannot change the air in India, we can take preventive measures to keep our bodies and our lungs (which are at high risk) at their healthiest best. Here are 5 superfoods that will help achieve this target:

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Confused about what to eat? Consume these Healthy Lungs Foods[/caption]

#1. Garlic

Many people in India avoid the use of garlic because of its peculiar odor, but what most people are unaware of are garlic's amazing healing properties. It is well-known that garlic is an anti-bacterial, anti-viral and an anti-fungal herb. According to Medical Daily, use of raw garlic in your diet can reduce your likelihood of developing lung cancer by 44%. Apart from helping keep lungs healthy, garlic is also beneficial for the heart, blood pressure, infections and bones.

#2. Ginger

Ginger is not exactly pretty to look at, but it is a powerful herb and is extremely beneficial for those suffering from lung diseases. It is known for eliminating air pollutants and tobacco smoke from the lungs and also helps with congestion and many chronic lung diseases like bronchitis and asthma. Being a strong antioxidant and anti-microbial agent, it is excellent for keeping lungs healthy and bettering the immune system.

#3. Apples

If you live in one of the most highly polluted cities in India and are a smoker, apples are your best friends! Rich in an antioxidant called quercetin, apples are a great way to prevent lungs from many kinds of pollutants and irritants. According to some studies, quercetin is also highly fruitful in the prevention of lung cancer - this is still debatable among many experts but what we all know for sure that apples are a boon for not only overall health but also healthy lungs food.

Also, read about Healthy Lifestyle for Healthy Heart article.

#4. Pomegranates

Let's lead with this - Pomegranate consumption in cancer patients is often known as the "alternative cancer treatment." Rich in minerals and vitamins, pomegranates is another fruit that is a powerful source of antioxidants and anthocyanins. Apart from lung cancer, pomegranates also help those with prostate, breast, colon and skin cancer. Even if you are confident about your body being at no-risk for cancer, you should try to include it in your diet - a small preventive measure can help you get healthy lungs.

#5. Turmeric

Another item to be added to the list of healthy lungs food is Turmeric. As we are all aware, turmeric is used in India for centuries. It is known for its medicinal antibacterial properties around the world. Turmeric is great for people who are at risk for lung cancer and chronic lung diseases. It can be easily introduced into your diet since it doesn't have a very strong flavor like garlic or ginger. So don't think twice before pouring turmeric generously while cooking your food the next time!