Fruits for Vocal Health

Why vocal health is important?

A singer, a voice-over artist, a theater artist, a motivational speaker, all of them earn for their voice and so they should take care of their vocal health. After all, the state of their vocal health can either make or break their performance. In this article, we will talk about which fruits can be useful in maintaining vocal health.

Water is present in the human body about 60% of the total body weight. We should intake approximately two quarts of water (or liquid) per day to function properly. Every system in the body depends on water.

Importance of hydration for Vocal Health

Water regulates body temperatures, eliminates toxins, carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells, as well as provides a moist environment for body tissues and joints.

The fruits contain large quantities of water in percentage to their weight. When fruits are eaten, the water can be absorbed by the body.

Fruits containing large amounts of water are excellent hydration-conscious snacks, including apples, pears, watermelon, peaches, melons, grapes, blueberries, oranges, pineapples, plums and raspberries. These fruits are a good source of water that helps to keep lubricated the vocal cords.

Vocal Cord

The vocal cord, is called as vocal fold, is a fold of tissue in the throat that are key in creating sound during vocalization. The size of vocal cord affects the pitch of voice. Open when breathing and vibrating for speech or singing, the fold is controlled via the recurrent laryngeal branch of the vagus nerve.

They are composed of twin in folding of mucous membrane stretched horizontally, from back to front, across the larynx. They vibrate, modulating the current of air being expelled from the lungs during phonation.

Larynx Diagram Vocal Cords - Diagramaica
Picture source LINK

Fig 1. Vocal Cord

The vocal cords are composed of twin in foldings of 3 distinct tissues: The outer layer is the squamous, non-keratinizing epithelium. Below this is the surface layer of the lamina propria, a gel-like layer, which allows the vocal fold toward vibrate and produce sound.

Situated above the larynx, the epiglottis acts as a flap which closes off the trachea during the act of swallowing to direct food into the esophagus.

If food or liquid do enter the trachea and contacts the vocal folds it causes a cough reflex to expel the matter in order to prevent pulmonary aspiration.

What is the definition of "vocal fold mass"? Is it the vertical (top-down)  thickness of the vocal folds? : transvoice
Image source: LINK

                  Fig .2: Structure of Vocal Cords


Fruits for Vocal Health

Most of the fruits contain a high amount of vitamin C and potassium that is beneficial for vocal health.

Vitamin C for Vocal Health

All fruits contain a high or low amount of vitamin C that is beneficial for voice health and also helps to clean the mucus of the vocal cords and soothe the voice.

Potassium and Sodium for Vocal Health

Potassium is the predominant positively charged electrolyte in body cells. The flow of potassium and sodium in and out of cells maintains the normal functioning of the vocal cord and vocal muscles.

Potassium is important for muscle contraction. Most of the fruits like Bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, honeydew, apricots, and grapefruit (some dried fruits, such as prunes, raisins, and dates) contain a high amount of potassium.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Fruits for Vocal Health

Mainly all berries have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, that also beneficial for vocal health. Diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory fruit can help protect vocal cords.


References

1. Kent T. The Best Singer’s Diet for a Healthy Voice (2019)
2. Maton, Anthea; Hopkins, Jean; McLaughlin, Charles William; Johnson, Susan; Warner, Maryanna Quon; LaHart, David; Wright, Jill D. (1993). Human Biology and Health. Prentice Hall. ISBN 978-0-13-981176-0.
3. Titze, Ingo R. (1994). Principles of Voice Production. Prentice Hall. ISBN 978-0-13-717893-3. Archived from the original on 2017-09-05.
4. Titze IR (January 2008). “The human instrument”. Sci. Am. 298 (1): 94–101. doi:10.1038/scientificamerican0108-94. PMID 18225701
5. https://www.voices.com/blog/smooth_fruits_that_soothe_the_throat/

Featured pic source:
https://blog.discmakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Singing-Tips.jpg
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