Not only will retooling your diet to include vital nutrients like beta-carotene and vitamin E protect your vision, your lungs will thank you too.
Researchers evaluated the lung function of some 1,200 adults (ages 20-44) over an eight-year span, as well as the levels of beta-carotene, and vitamins A and E in their blood. Patients with higher amounts of beta-carotene in their blood had smaller declines in lung functioning. And, beta-carotene in combination with vitamin E slowed the breakdown of the lungs of smokers who burned at least a pack a day.
Beta-carotene and vitamin E, scientists say, protect smokers by neutralizing the number of oxygen free radicals that damage cells in the lung and may also be beneficial to patients exposed to air pollution, and who isn't these days...
Also, good to read researchers advised patients to protect their health, not with pills, but by eating a nutrient-rich diet. Dark green vegetables like broccoli and spinach are optimal sources as well as yellow, orange and red fruits. Be aware, however, eating whole vegetables and fruits by themselves won't completely do the job. Take into account your body's unique nutritional type to make the right food choices.
Thorax, Vol. 61, No. 4, April 2006: 320-326
Yahoo News March 29, 2006