Crunching on your favourite variety of Aussie apple is a great addition to a healthy balanced diet and good for your health and general wellbeing.
In fact, a regular apple habit may literally help you to breathe easy with an increasing body of research drawing a link between eating apples and healthy lungs and airways.
Apples are high in antioxidants and it is thought that these powerful compounds – in particular the presence of polyphenols – may provide a protective benefit for our lungs and breathing.
This could mean less sneezing and fewer runny noses for those susceptible to spring-time pollen.
For mums-to-be, eating apples during pregnancy may even protect their child from developing lung conditions later in life.
Karen’s top tips for healthy lungs
- One of the most important things you can do for your lungs is to reduce your exposure to second hand smoke and if you are a smoker quit smoking;
- Maintain a healthy weight range;
- Eat a balanced diet with two serves of fruit and five serves of veg – chomping on an apple is a great start.
- Exercise regularly to get those lungs working – 30 minutes a day is all it takes.
- Work on your posture – straighten up and breathe from your belly.
Take care in high pollen season, keep windows closed and avoid being outdoors on windy days.