Gone are the days when you breathe in the fresh air anywhere. The smell of spring, fragrant violets and fresh cut grass used to make your heart leap for joy. But now, we are living in the days where people have to buy fresh bottled air. These bottles are selling like hot cakes.

A research study throws light on the fact that people who breathe highly polluted air, gain weight. They also have a high risk of cardio-respiratory and metabolic dysfunction.

Air pollution

"Certain areas specifically parts of Asia and Central America are covered in a haze of pollution and look kind of sick", astronaut Scot Kelly, said in a recent satellite interview with CNN.

These words are indeed shocking and have come at the right timing.

Duke University study researchers placed pregnant rats and their little ones in two chambers. One chamber was exposed to Beijing's outdoor air. The other chamber contained an air filter.

After 19 days the rats were analyzed, the lungs and liver of the pregnant rats exposed to the outdoor air were heavier.

It had increased tissue inflammation, 50 percent higher LDL cholesterol, 97 percent total cholesterol and 46 percent higher triglycerides.

The insulin resistance level was also higher when compared to the rats which breathed clean air. Higher insulin resistance is a precursor to Type 2 diabetes.

Scientists say that air pollution exposure results in metabolic dysfunction. This is a forerunner to obesity.

They say that long exposure to air pollution increases the risk of developing obesity. Long-term exposure generates continuous inflammatory and metabolic changes that result in increased body weight.

How air pollution affects your health

Earlier studies have shown that high exposure to traffic-related air pollution is linked to higher levels of obesity hormone leptin.

Not only that, studies indicate air pollution is linked to slower cognitive development in children. It increases the risk of asthma attack.  American Thoracic Society says that high levels of air pollution bring about changes in the ventricles of the heart.

This proves that air pollution can also affect heart health.

Oxygen boosting plants

A study on domestic plants done by NASA has found that some plants can really improve the quality of air.

You can grow Aloe, Ficus, Ivy, Spider plant, Snake plant and Peace lilies in your home. NASA recommends 15 and 19 such plants for a 500 square meter area.

You can very well grow some of these plants indoors and greatly improve the air quality of your house.

Takeaway

To lead a healthy life, it is not only necessary to eat a healthy diet and exercise. You should also ensure the quality of the air you breathe in. It would be wise if you take all measures to breathe in fresh, good quality air and make the earth a better place for future generations.