5 Lung-Cleansing Superfoods: Affordable, Healthy, and Readily Available in Vietnamese Markets

The lungs are vital organs that play a crucial role in overall bodily function, yet they are highly susceptible to damage. Alongside maintaining good health and minimizing the risk of respiratory diseases, a balanced diet can significantly contribute to lung protection. Here are five recommended foods known for their lung-cleansing properties, all readily available in Vietnamese markets.

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1. Pears

Numerous studies highlight that pears support respiratory health. Natural compounds in fresh pears help alleviate chest tightness, soothe the airways, increase lung moisture, and cool the heart.

Pears offer numerous health benefits and are often referred to as the “lung vacuum cleaner” (Illustrative image)

In traditional medicine, pears, with their cool nature and sweet-sour taste, are often stewed with rock sugar, ginger, or cooked in soups to nourish the lungs. To prepare pears with rock sugar, hollow out a pear, fill it with rock sugar, and simmer in 70% water over low heat.

Regular pear consumption can prevent fatigue, sore throat, gum inflammation, dark urine, constipation, red eyes, and high blood pressure. However, due to their cooling nature, individuals with cold-induced abdominal pain or diarrhea should avoid pears.

2. Sugarcane

In traditional Eastern medicine, sugarcane is sweet, cool, and benefits the lungs and stomach. It clears heat, promotes fluids, soothes dryness, and nourishes the lungs and stomach. It’s used to treat respiratory issues, high fever, detoxification, urinary difficulties, constipation, bloating, and digestive discomfort.

Traditional Chinese medicine also believes sugarcane enters the lungs and stomach, effectively clearing heat, promoting body fluids, and nourishing these organs.

Individuals with diabetes should limit sugarcane juice consumption (Illustrative image)

While sugarcane is a “longevity elixir” beneficial for the lungs, it’s not suitable for everyone, especially diabetics. High in natural sugars like sucrose, fructose, and glucose, sugarcane can cause blood sugar spikes. Those with weak digestion, pregnant women, and individuals with kidney issues should also consume it cautiously.

3. Lotus Root

Lotus root is ideal for nasal allergy sufferers. It cleanses the respiratory system, clears alveoli, bronchi, and bronchioles, eliminates phlegm, purifies the lungs, and reduces mucus buildup and coughing.

Rich in vitamin C, lotus root boosts immunity against weather-related discomforts. Its fiber content also helps cleanse the lungs.

Cooked lotus root benefits the spleen, stomach, and heart, promoting calmness and longevity. However, raw lotus root can worsen symptoms in those with weak spleen, cold stomachs, or diarrhea.

Lotus root is a “superfood” with numerous health benefits (Illustrative image)

4. Mung Beans

Mung beans are rich in antioxidants, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, blood pressure-lowering, and anti-diabetic properties. They’re also high in protein and fiber, promoting overall health.

Mung beans cool and detoxify the body, cleanse the lungs, and protect the liver and kidneys. However, they should be consumed sparingly in cold weather or by those with cold constitutions.

5. Daikon Radish

Daikon radish is known as “winter ginseng” or “the poor man’s ginseng.” Modern medicine notes that 100g of daikon contains 1.4g protein, 3.7g carbs, 1.5g fiber, 40mg calcium, 41mg phosphorus, 1.1mg iron, and vitamins B1, B2, PP, and C. Traditional Eastern medicine describes it as sweet, slightly spicy, bitter, neutral, and non-toxic.

Daikon is rich in antioxidants like catechin, pyrogallol, vanillic acid, and phenolic compounds. Its high vitamin C content protects the lungs from damage.

Studies show daikon can counteract respiratory allergens, protect airway linings from infection, promote diuresis, relieve constipation, and treat lung disorders. It also prevents irritation of the nasal mucosa, throat, trachea, and lungs.

Regular, moderate daikon consumption strengthens the lungs daily (Illustrative image)

Despite being a “superfood,” daikon should be avoided by those with digestive issues or weak constitutions. Its spiciness can irritate the stomach lining, causing damage. Individuals with weak constitutions may experience diarrhea due to its cooling nature, discomforting the digestive system.

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