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Top 9 Science-Backed Grocery Store Foods for Healthy Lungs


This image shows a few garlic bunches in a pile with several chili peppers (orange, red and green). Both garlic and chili peppers may be beneficial for lung health.

Many people know certain lifestyle factors can increase lung and respiratory health risks. For example, smokers have a higher risk of developing lung cancer than non-smokers. And people with a history of asbestos exposure are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those without one.

People may be less aware that scientists have identified foods that support healthy lungs. In studies, some nutrients helped protect against lung cancer and respiratory illness. Even individuals with risk factors, like a history of smoking, may benefit from a diet rich in lung-healthy foods.

To help raise awareness of these beneficial dietary choices, we compiled a list of foods that promote healthy lungs. We focused the list on things you can easily find in most grocery stores. And we included a bonus section of a few foods that might do the opposite of supporting healthy lungs.

Each food on the list has at least one of the qualifications below:

  • The food or a substance it contains has been studied in people and linked to lung health benefits.
  • The food or a substance it contains has demonstrated benefits in human laboratory cells.

Note: All dietary changes should be discussed with a licensed physician. Cancer patients especially should talk with their oncologists before adjusting nutrition. Doctors can help patients balance their health goals and unique nutritional needs.

1: Brazil Nuts

Food Snapshot
  • Description: A large tree nut
  • Key nutrients: Fiber, vitamin E, magnesium, selenium
  • Where to find it: In the bulk foods area
Evidence of Lung Benefits

Analysis of nearly 70 medical studies linked selenium intake to a decreased risk of developing lung cancer. It also reduced breast and prostate cancer risks.

2: Chili Peppers

Food Snapshot
  • Description: A small pepper known for its spicy flavor that may be yellow, green or red in color
  • Key nutrients: Capsaicin, iron, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C
  • Where to find it: In the produce aisle
Evidence of Lung Benefits

In a laboratory, capsaicin stopped the first stage of lung cancer metastasis (spreading). Another study looked at more than 20,000 people who did or did not eat spicy foods. Those who ate more capsaicin-rich foods had a lower rate of deaths caused by respiratory diseases.

3: Cocoa

Food Snapshot
  • Description: The seeds of the cacao tree, or the powder extracted from them, that are used to make chocolate
  • Key nutrients: Calcium, fiber, flavonoids, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc
  • Where to find it: In the baking aisle (cocoa powder) or in the bulk foods area (cocoa beans)
Evidence of Lung Benefits

In a laboratory, cocoa products encouraged human lung cancer cells to die. So cocoa beans may exert protective effects against lung cancer. Another study looked at people who ate cocoa and chocolate. Those who ate chocolate a few times each week had a lower risk of heart disease. So cocoa may help lower the risk of heart disease-linked lung conditions.

4: Garlic

Food Snapshot
  • Description: The strong-smelling bulb of the Allium sativum plant
  • Key nutrients: Calcium, fiber, manganese, phosphorous, vitamin B, vitamin C, zinc
  • Where to find it: In the produce aisle
Evidence of Lung Benefits

A study looked at garlic consumption among thousands of people. Those who ate raw garlic more than twice a week had a substantially lower risk of developing lung cancer. According to the study authors, garlic may help prevent lung cancer.

5: Ginger Root

Food Snapshot
  • Description: The root of a flowering plant that is used in cooking and herbal medicine
  • Key nutrients: Calcium, fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc
  • Where to find it: In the produce or baking aisle
Evidence of Lung Benefits

In a laboratory, ginger extracts relaxed human airway muscles. This muscle relaxation can help alleviate asthma symptoms. Researchers believe ginger extracts may assist traditional asthma treatments.

6: Olive Oil

Food Snapshot
  • Description: A liquid fat derived from whole olives
  • Key nutrients: Iron, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, vitamin K
  • Where to find it: In the baking aisle near cooking sprays and oils
Evidence of Lung Benefits

One study found people who consumed more vitamin E had a lower risk of dying from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Several studies have linked higher levels of vitamin E consumption to signs of healthy lungs.

7: Salmon

Food Snapshot
  • Description: A type of fish that lives in fresh or salt water and has pink-colored muscle
  • Key nutrients: Niacin, pantothenic acid, phosphorous, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, thiamine, vitamin B
  • Where to find it: At the fish counter or with frozen foods
Evidence of Lung Benefits

One study looked at asthma cases in schoolchildren. Children who ate oily fish (like salmon) had fewer cases of asthma than those who did not. Another study analyzed COPD cases in adults. People who ate fish more than four times each week were less likely to develop COPD.

8: Turmeric

Food Snapshot
  • Description: A bright yellow spice derived from the Curcuma longa plant that is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Key nutrients: Curcumin, fiber, iron, manganese, potassium, vitamin C
  • Where to find it: In the produce aisle or with spices in the baking aisle
Evidence of Lung Benefits

A study looked at about 80 patients with mild to moderate asthma. All patients received standard treatment, but some also took a daily curcumin supplement. Patients who took curcumin scored significantly better on a lung function test. In laboratory animals, data indicates curcumin can reduce lung inflammation.

9: Yogurt

Food Snapshot
  • Description: A fermented-milk dairy product
  • Key components: Calcium, healthy gut bacteria (probiotics), protein, vitamin B, vitamin D, zinc
  • Where to find it: In the dairy aisle
Evidence of Lung Benefits

One study looked at dietary fiber and yogurt consumption among nearly 1.5 million adults. People who often ate yogurt and fiber had a 30% reduced risk of lung cancer compared to those who ate them infrequently.

A Few Foods That May Not Support Healthy Lungs

People concerned with their lung health may also want to skip potentially harmful foods. Research indicates the foods or substances below may increase general cancer or lung cancer risks for some people.

  • Alcohol: The World Health Organization recently classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen. Experts say alcohol causes at least seven kinds of cancer, and there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
  • Beta-carotene: Carrots, pumpkins and other vegetables contain the antioxidant beta-carotene. Multiple studies have linked this nutrient to increased lung cancer risks for smokers and asbestos-exposed individuals. The American Lung Association recommends smokers not take any beta-carotene supplements. Smokers may want to discuss avoiding beta-carotene-rich foods with their doctors.
  • Processed meat: Some data suggests eating processed meats could increase a person’s risk of lung cancer. One analysis looked at the diets and cancer diagnoses of more than 25,000 people. Those who frequently ate processed meats had a substantially higher risk of developing lung cancer.
  • Red meat: Research indicates red meat consumption may increase a person’s risk of lung cancer. One study tracked the lung cancer diagnoses and dietary habits of more than 4,000 current or former smokers. Those who ate the most red meat had about 70% higher risk of lung cancer than those who ate the least.

What Does This Mean for Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lung Cancer Patients?

People with lung cancer or mesothelioma risk factors may want to discuss the information above with a doctor. Nutritional needs can vary significantly between individuals. For cancer or mesothelioma patients, an oncologist can discuss how certain foods may affect treatment or recovery. The doctor can also refer you to a dietitian who can design a personalized plan that includes lung-healthy foods.