According to the 2013 Global Burden of Disease Study, air pollution kills more than 3.2 million people each year worldwide. How could something as natural as breathing take your breath away, permanently? When tiny foreign particles enter your bronchial tubes they penetrate and inflame the lungs, leading to respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma. Research shows that there are several foods and drinks that can help clean and clear your airways. Here are five anti-inflammatory foods worth adding to your diet to breathe easier:

 

1. Olive oil: Olive oil contains alpha-tocopherol, a type of vitamin E, that has been shown to improve lung function. This oil also contains monounsaturated fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation. Make olive oil your cooking oil of choice the next time you’re in the kitchen to get more in your diet.

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