Welcoming an Unwelcome Guest: Protecting Health from Fine Dust as Spring Arrives.

Fine dust is one of the major contributors to various respiratory illnesses, inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and more. Since particles are very small and easily enter the respiratory tract, avoiding fine dust is not an easy task. However, there are foods that can help protect our bodies from fine dust. In this post, we'll explore four foods that can help protect health from fine dust.

 

Bellflower Root

On days with heavy fine dust, you may experience dryness and irritation in your throat after outdoor activities. This is due to fine dust irritating the nasal and throat mucosa, causing respiratory discomfort. Bellflower root is a food that can help alleviate these symptoms. Bellflower root contains saponins and antozanthin. Saponins promote mucus secretion in the lungs and bronchi, aiding in the removal of foreign substances from the body, while antozanthin helps eliminate harmful substances from the body and maintain respiratory health.

 

On days with heavy fine dust, it's important to refrain from going outside and follow preventive measures such as wearing masks to protect our health.

 

Seaweed

Seaweed is known for its sticky texture due to its rich content of alginic acid. Alginic acid absorbs heavy metals such as dioxins, cadmium, and lead, promoting their excretion from the body and improving blood circulation. Additionally, the potassium abundant in seaweed helps excrete heavy metals and waste from the body, aiding in detoxification.

 

Garlic

Garlic is a food with potent antibacterial and detoxifying effects. Allicin, found in garlic, helps excrete heavy metals such as arsenic and mercury from the body, keeping the blood clear. Additionally, methionine in garlic protects cells from heavy metals and aids in their excretion. Eating garlic raw is most effective, but if it causes discomfort, it's advisable to cook it lightly.

 

Fruits Rich in Vitamin C

On days with heavy fine dust, it's essential to consume enough vitamin C. Vitamin C helps excrete heavy metals contained in fine dust and protects cells. Kiwi contains more vitamin C than other fruits, but strawberries, oranges, lemons, and apples are also rich in vitamin C. Since vitamin C is sensitive to heat, it's best to minimize cooking and consume these fruits fresh.

 

Foods that protect health from fine dust help protect our bodies and strengthen our constitution. However, consuming these foods alone does not completely free us from fine dust. On days with heavy fine dust, it's important to refrain from going outside and follow preventive measures such as wearing masks to protect our health.