Eating Fruit May Help Protect Your Lungs
A recent study suggests that consuming more fruit could be beneficial for lung health. Researchers from the University of Leicester in the U.K. found that a diet high in fruit might lessen the harmful effects of air pollution on lung function.
These findings were shared at the European Respiratory Society Congress held in Amsterdam this month. According to researcher Pimpika Kaewsri, more than 90% of people worldwide face air pollution levels above the recommended guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO). She emphasized that previous studies indicate higher air pollution is linked to poor lung function.
The study took a close look at data from around 200,000 participants in the U.K. Biobank. The researchers compared diets that included fruits, vegetables, and whole grains with lung health outcomes. They also considered exposure to pollutants from sources like car exhaust and factories, as well as factors such as age and socioeconomic status.
Interestingly, those with lower fruit intake saw a drop of 78.1 milliliters in lung function as air pollution levels increased. In contrast, women who ate more fruit had a smaller reduction of only 57.5 milliliters in lung function under similar conditions.
While a healthy diet is associated with improved lung health for both men and women, the researchers found that women who consumed four or more servings of fruit daily experienced less decline in lung function compared to those who ate less. This difference could be attributed to the fact that men tended to eat less fruit overall.
The protective effects of fruit likely come from the natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds present in them. These substances may help reduce the oxidative stress and inflammation caused by air pollution, which could be harmful to lung health.
Looking ahead, the research team aims to further investigate how dietary habits can impact lung function over time. Professor Sara De Matteis, who leads an expert group on respiratory health in Italy, praised the study for highlighting the benefits of a healthy diet, particularly one rich in fresh fruits. However, she noted that not everyone has equal access to healthy food options, which could affect the results.
In summary, incorporating more fruit into your diet may not only enhance overall health but could also play a crucial role in protecting lung function from the adverse effects of pollution.
