Most of us are aware of the importance of having a diet rich in fruit and vegetables and now new research has reiterated just how vital it is for our bodies.
Researchers from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology looked at asthma rates in 2,043 children aged between six and 18, and found that those who skip on a healthy diet are 53 percent more likely to develop asthma.
This is because food rich in nutrients help boost the immune system, which in turn wards off asthma – a common lung condition.
“In this study, we have factored in the presence of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and obesity as other conditions that can affect asthma control,” Lead researcher Maripaz Morales said.
“It's difficult to get any kid to eat the right amount of fresh fruits and vegetables, but kids who live in a food desert [an area at least one mile away from shops selling fruit and veg] are at an even greater disadvantage.”
Of the more than 2,000 children involved in the study, which is published in ACAAI Annual Scientific Meeting, one in ten lived in a food desert, and 21 percent of these children had asthma compared to 17 percent of those who live closer to better access to food.
However, more research needs to be done on to establish a link between healthy foods and reducing the risk of asthma.
