Hamburg - Foods commonly eaten in the Mediterranean region can prevent asthma and chronic bronchitis, experts say. Vegetables, fruits, whole grain products, nuts, fish and olive oil - foods common in the diets of Italians, Greeks and people living throughout the Mediterranean region - lower the risk of developing a chronic respiratory condition by about half, said the German association of pulmonologists in Heidenheim.
The association cited two studies. One collected data from 43,000 people in the United States between 40 and 75 years, and the other examined 690 children in Greece between the ages of seven and 18.
"The cause of many chronic respiratory diseases is a metabolic imbalance, but this can be influenced by eating healthy, well- balanced foods," said Michael Barczok of the association's board of directors. Children who eat too little fruit, vegetables and consume too few vitamins and minerals are at greater risk of developing asthma and allergic disorders.
Experts advise against eating processed and fast foods because they contain so few cell-protecting antioxidants, said Barczok.
Highly recommended are the type of red grapes used in making wine, which contain polyphenole, which Barczok said can block the inflammation process in the lungs. Beta-carotine, found in oranges, apples and fresh tomatoes, can also stem the discomforts of asthma and allergies.
"In addition, nuts contain cell-protecting vitamin E and magnesium, which appears to promote lung function," said Barczok.
