Children who eat fish and vegetables may have a lower likelihood of developing allergies or asthma, a study Suggests . Researchers found that among 460 children followed from birth to age 6, those who ate the most fish were less likely to develop allergies than their peers who ate fish the least often.
Similarly, asthma was far less common among Children with the highest intake of so-called "fruity" vegetables -- namely, tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini and green beans. The findings suggest that parents should be sure to include these foods in their childrens diets particularly if they have heightened risk of allergies and asthma - due to factors like family history for instance. Children who ate the most fish were 57 percent less likely to develop allergies than their peers who ate the least Amount of fish.
Meanwhile, the children who ate the most fruity vegetables were 62 percent less likely to have problems with wheezing, a prime symptom of asthma, compared with their peers who ate the least amount. One theory, antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables help protect lung tissue from damage. "Fruity" vegetables, Such as tomatoes and green beans are a particularly good sources of antioxidants like alpha- and beta-carotene, Vitamin C and Iycopene, the research noted.
Fish are a major source ofomega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Its thought that because omega-3 fats have anti-inflammatory actions, they affect childrens immune system development in a way that guards against allergies. The bottom line, according to Chatzi, is that certain foods that are generally good for children and adults alike may Offer specific protection against allergies and asthma. SOURCE: Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, September 2007.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited