Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Indonesia, but the number of smokers continues to increase every year.
The data statistics as cited News24xx.com states that 10,000 people in Indonesia die each year, from diseases directly related to smoking.
As many as 49 percent of adult males in Indonesia smoke, and it surpassing the rates in developed countries such as the UK (38 percent), the United States (35 percent), and Sweden (30 percent).
As information, the habit not only causes lung cancer but also high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and impotence.
We know, to break this habit is tough, but it can be done if you have high spirits.
As the first step, here some things that can help to reduce the effects of smoking.
- Green Tea
Green tea has various benefits for our body because it is high in antioxidants. A study in 2018 found that the antioxidants in green tea can repair 50 percent of the cell damage caused by cigarette smoke.
The antioxidants found in green tea are known as polyphenols. One of the useful polyphenols is Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG). This green tea extract can neutralize free radicals from cigarette smoke if you drink it regularly.
According to a study conducted by KU Leuven University, the antioxidants in EGCG have 100 times higher power than vitamin C and 25 times higher than vitamin E to protect the body.
EGCG can be found in supplements and its benefits not only fight free radicals but also lower cholesterol and maintain healthy blood, heart, and brain.
- Fruits and vegetables
Active and passive smokers have a high risk of developing chronic lung disease. So, to prevent, you can eat healthy foods such as vegetables and fruit can help reduce this risk.
It was able to reduce the risk of up to 8 percent for active smokers and 4 percent for those who started quitting. - Reduce the number of cigarettes
The most basic step that can be taken is to reduce the number of cigarettes smoked per day. The study also found that reducing the number of cigarettes from 20 to 10 cigarettes per day reduces the risk of lung cancer by 27 percent.
From 10 cigarettes a day can be reduced to a smaller number until it stops smoking immediately.
And also, the risk of developing lung cancer can be reduced to 90 percent, if a smoker decides to quit before the age of 45.
