Mediterranean Diet May Lower Risks of Asthma

Filed in archive Allergies , Diet , Kid's Health , Lung Conditions , Studies on October 7, 2008

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The famous Mediterranean diet (rich in cereals, wine, fruits, nuts, legumes and whole grains, fish and olive oil, and low in dairy, meat, junk food and fat) is already linked to longer life, less heart disease, and protection against some cancer types.

Now, according to research from Spain and Mexico, getting children to eat the Mediterranean diet may reduce their risks of asthma by up to 40%.

The cross-sectional survey of 1,476 children aged between six and seven in Mexico found that a higher adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet was also associated with significant reductions in wheezing, sneezing, and itchy-watery eyes.

The findings - published in the journal Allergy - add to a growing body of evidence that linking a Mediterranean-style diet to reduced incidence of asthma and inflamed nasal passages (allergic rhinitis) in children.

The real challenge here I think is how the parents be able to adhere their child to a Mediterranean diet. I mean, will children like this particular diet? Maybe not so much. But then it gotta be started real early I suppose.