PARIS - The so-called Mediterranean diet, famous for protecting against heart problems, also appears to protect against respiratory allergies among children, according to a Greek study published on Thursday.
Researchers assessed the health and eating habits among 690 children aged seven to 18 in rural Crete.
Those who ate high levels of fresh fruit and vegetables -- grapes, oranges, apples and fresh tomatoes -- and nuts were less likely to suffer from asthmatic wheezing and allergic rhinitis than counterparts with a low intake.
The paper appears in Thorax, published by the British Medical Association.
04/05/2007 23:01 GMT