Try This Tropical Treat for Healthier Lungs
Here's a swimsuit-friendly tropical treat your lungs will love: fresh papaya.
It's sweet, so your tongue will thank you. It's low-cal, so your summer clothes won't protest. And more and more research suggests your lungs may benefit from papaya as well, thanks to a key carotenoid called beta-cryptoxanthin.
Behind the Beta Benefits
In a recent large study, researchers found that people whose diets
contained higher amounts of beta-cryptoxanthin were less likely to
develop lung cancer -- even if they smoked. Lots of similar studies
regarding the lung benefits of carotenoids have shown mixed results, but
this is one of the first large studies to examine beta-cryptoxanthin
specifically. And papaya is a top source, along with oranges,
tangerines, and mangoes. Time for a fruit salad?
Because there has been so much conflicting data, much more research is needed to determine the role that carotenoids play in smokers' health. But researchers think any beta-cryptoxanthin benefits in the body may have to do with how the compound helps neutralize cell-damaging free radicals -- possibly even some of the damaging free radicals generated by cigarette smoke. Want more lung-friendly eats in your life? Papaya isn't the only player.
