Mediterranean diet reduces risk of asthma
Sanitarium Nutrition Service, Berkeley Vale, New South Wales
What women eat during pregnancy can affect the health of the child they are carrying. Recent research has shown that following a "Mediterranean diet" during pregnancy can reduce the child's risk of developing asthma.
In Australia, one in six children are diagnosed with asthma. The exact causes are not fully understood but it is known that people with asthma have sensitive airways in their lungs and certain triggers make it hard for them to breathe. While we're not sure what causes asthma, researchers at the University of Crete have found that it may be prevented.
The researchers found that asthma and allergies were less common in children whose mothers followed a Mediterranean or mostly plant-based diet during pregnancy. The nutrients obtained from fruits and vegetables more than eight times per week, fish three times per week and legumes at least once per week were particularly protective. The findings of the study also revealed that eating red meat more than three times per week increased the risk of asthma.
The Mediterranean diet was thought to be so beneficial because it was well balanced, and contained all the necessary vitamins and minerals. We also know that a diet rich in whole plant foods provides plenty of antioxidants, phytonutrients and fibre.
Mediterranean diet
While this eating style may be best for pregnant women, a Mediterranean style of eating has been found to be beneficial for all people, particularly because of the role it plays in preventing heart disease.
A Mediterranean style of eating is usually characterised by:
- A high consumption of fruits and vegetables.
- Plenty of wholegrain cereals, legumes, nuts and seeds.
- Olive oil as a healthy source of fat.
- Minimal red meat and dairy products.
If you would like to speak with one of our qualified dietitians or nutritionists about a Mediterranean style of eating, call us on 1800 673 392 (in Australia) or 0800 100 257 (in New Zealand). We'd love to hear from you!
Order a copy of our Everyday Essentials cookbook, which contains plenty of nutritious plant-based recipes.
This has been a feature from Record, March 21, 2009