are the lung cleansing foods you have been eating fake?

As soon as the weather gets cold, major cities become engulfed in smog. Every morning when I open the door, if it weren't for the cold air keeping me somewhat awake, I'd suspect I was on the set of 'Silent Hill'.

When smog levels are off the charts, besides wearing protective masks, many people place their hopes on 'lung-cleansing foods,' hoping these foods can expel the pollutants already inhaled into the body. There are many online rumors that foods like black fungus, white fungus, pork belly, and pig's blood can cleanse the lungs.

Are the so-called lung-cleansing foods reliable?

Can these so-called lung-cleansing foods really help us remove toxins from our bodies?Analyzing the disease mechanism of smog and the effects of these foods, the so-called 'lung-cleansing foods' are somewhat exaggerated.

Among the lung-cleansing foods circulating online,black fungusis mentioned the most.

The black fungus we eat is mostly rehydrated from dried form,10g of dried black fungus rehydrates to about 150g, with nutritional content as follows: carbohydrates 6.5g, protein 1.2g, fat 0.1g, cellulose 3g..

The nutritional advantage of black fungus (or edible fungi) lies in its high dietary fiber content. The Chinese Nutrition Society recommends that adults consume about 25-30g of dietary fiber daily, anda 10g serving of dried black fungus can provide one-eighth to one-tenth of the daily dietary fiber requirement,which is significant.

Dietary fiber is divided into soluble dietary fiber (like pectin) and insoluble dietary fiber (like lignin and cellulose). Black fungus provides the latter.The cellulose in dietary fiber can indeed help absorb excess fats, monosaccharides, and cholesterol in the intestines, and even expel some impurities that enter the digestive tract with food.

Additionally, black fungus contains a substance called'black fungus polysaccharide,'whichhas immune-regulating effects..

In summary, black fungus is beneficial to the human body. However, this does not mean that black fungus has lung-cleansing functions—becauseblack fungus works in the digestive tract, while we inhale smog particles through the respiratory tract.

Can black fungus directly enter the respiratory tract? Of course not.

Any food that enters the digestive tract through the mouth will be broken down into small molecules of nutrients, then absorbed in the small intestine, and transported to various organs through the body's circulation. Therefore, the idea that black fungus can directly enter the respiratory tract to 'absorb smog particles' is something that only appears in science fiction novels.

The claims that white fungus, pork belly, and pig's blood can 'cleanse the lungs' naturally fall apart as their logic is the same.

What reliable foods can reduce the harm of smog?

'Lung-cleansing foods' are unreliable. So, are there any foods that can reduce the harm of inhaled smog particles to the body?

The harm of smog to the human body is concentrated in the respiratory system. The notorious PM2.5 particles can directly enter the respiratory tract and lungs, irritating the respiratory mucosa and causing inflammation, with symptoms like dry nasal passages and a sore throat. To reduce the harm of smog to the human body, it is important to add two types of foods to your daily diet:

[High-quality protein is fundamental]

Protein is the material that makes up body tissues. When it comes to boosting immunity, protein is indispensable. For example, the well-known 'immunoglobulin' is a type of protein. Therefore, in daily diet, paying attention to adding foods rich in high-quality protein is beneficial in coping with the damage caused by smog.

[Dark-colored fruits and vegetables for protection]

Most dark-colored vegetables and fruits contain a substance calledβ-carotene,which converts to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A not only prevents night blindness but also protects and helps repair mucous membranes.

Another advantage of fruits and vegetables is that they provide abundant phytochemicals, which scientific research has shown to have certain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally,vitamin C and vitamin Eare also essential (if necessary, dietary supplements can be used).

Preventing and combating smog is a comprehensive project. Besides diet, factors like exercise, sleep, outdoor protection, and indoor environment should also be considered.

In summary, when it comes to food, the effects of any food are limited. Do not believe in the miraculous, all-curing power of any single food. 'Health lies in the details, and long-term efforts yield results.'

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