Veggies are Good For Your Lungs

Eat Your Vegetables

From Help, July 2002
Mountain Bike Magazine
 

You eat carbs to boost your energy and protein to build your muscles. Now try eating fruits and vegetables for your lungs. Several recent studies have shown that people with high blood levels of various antioxidants, such as lycopene (tomatoes), beta-carotene (carrots and red peppers) and beta-cryptoxanthin (oranges) not only have fewer problems breathing during exercise, but also have more lung power, meaning they can pump out more air in a single breath than those with low levels of these antioxidants. Aim for nine servings of brightly colored fruits and vegetables a day, and breathe deep.