Attack asthma with fruit and veg

6 May is World Asthma Day – a time to bear in mind that four people in the UK die every day from the condition. Asthma affects 5.2 million people UK-wide, but a growing body of evidence is offering new hope: relief can be helped along by munching on fruit and vegetables.

We all know that eating our five a day of fruit and veg is the health conscious way to be, but evidence that eating a diet of ‘fruity vegetables’ can help reduce the likelihood of developing asthma, according to a seven year study of 460 Spanish children, is good news for asthma sufferers.

Those fruit and vegetables found to be the most helpful include tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines and green beans.
It is thought the antioxidants found in fruit and vegetables help protect lung tissue from damage. This theory is supported by previous studies. Heightened symptomatic (ie ‘wheezing’) asthma in adults is associated with a low dietary intake of fruit, in particular the antioxidant nutrients vitamin C and manganese.

The good news is that a whole range of fruit and vegetables packed with these important antioxidants are in season in May.
Strawberries contain a whopping 77mg of vitamin C per 100g portion, much more than oranges. The wonder-nutrient works by helping to neutralise free radicals that may otherwise contribute to the development or progression of asthma.
It’s also important to stock the fridge with plenty of seasonal vegetables. Swedes are the ultimate asthma-buster, being rich in both vitamin C and manganese. One cup of kale, also in season now, will provide 27 per cent of your daily manganese needs.

A flavanoid found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, Apigenin, is also thought to protect asthma sufferers - reducing its occurrence. While human studies are needed, Japanese researchers discovered apigenin suppressed the levels of an immune system antibody linked to asthma. The flavanoid is found in beans, broccoli, onions and tomatoes, which are all in season now.

Independent nutritionist, Dr Carrie Ruxton, says: “Experts agree that fruit and vegetables offer protection against chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease; and research shows that a diet rich in antioxidants, like vitamin C, manganese and apigenin, can aid the fight against asthma”.

Eating fresh fruit and veg that is in season is good for everyone’s health as well as allowing us to eat locally grown produce rather than that shipped in from abroad. Website www.iminseason.com has some great information on what is in season and how you can use it in delicious, seasonal asthma-fighting recipes such as the following. Strawberry Romaine Salad and Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi

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