Researchers have discovered that children who eat a Mediterranean diet are much less likely to suffer from asthma. In fact, women who eat this diet while they are pregnant pass the benefits along to their unborn child.

The study was published in the British Medical Journal’s Thorax and detailed the benefits for children whose mother’s stuck to a Mediterranean diet during their pregnancy. They discovered that women who ate primarily fresh fruit, nuts, grains and vegetables passed on benefits to their children that reduced the risk of asthma symptoms.

Six year olds whose mothers followed these diets were significantly less likely to display asthma symptoms. In addition, it appears that this diet also reduced the amount of children who suffered from allergies. 468 mothers and their children were examined during this study. They were tracked from the initial pregnancy up through six and half years after birth.

The study recommends that pregnant women eat vegetables at least eight times a week, preferably more. Fish is recommended at least three times a week. Legumes or nuts should be consumed at least once a week in order to gain the benefits from this special diet. Olive oil is also highly recommended as a replacement for other vegetable oils. It was found during the study that these amounts greatly reduced asthma symptoms in children.

However, once the child reaches the age of six, little benefit can be added to reduce asthma symptoms. This led researchers to the conclusion that the most vital timing is during pregnancy and possibly breast feeding. It is believed that the compounds in these foods are passed along to the unborn child, giving them extra protection against allergies and asthma.

Currently, allergies are the sixth most popular cause of chronic diseases in America. Over the past ten years, the incidence of childhood asthma and allergy problems has skyrocketed. This study suggests that this upsurge may be linked to poor diets that lack the necessary nutrients provided by a Mediterranean diet. To back up this theory, it has been proven that eating red meat more than three times a week can actually make asthma and allergy symptoms worse in some children.

Pregnant women looking to change their diets should first discuss their plans with their doctor. A well balanced diet is crucial during this time and any new foods should be examined to avoid potential allergic reactions, particularly with legumes and nuts.

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