After adjusting the results for possible confounding factors, [snip] Tabak reports that high intakes of whole grains and fish were associated with a 54 and 66 per cent reduction in the probability of being asthmatic, respectively. The probability of having asthma with bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), defined as having an increased sensitivity to factors that cause narrowing of the airways, was reduced by 72 and 88 per cent when children had a high-intake of whole grains and fish, respectively.

Interestingly, the same study showed that the intake of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products were not associated with asthma, which contradicted previous studies linking antioxidant intake, particularly vitamins C and E, to the incidence of asthma.

For further reading, you may want to refer to the article describing the above results, published at the journal, Thorax, doi:10.1136/thx.2005.043034.

Post from: Blisstree

Consumption of Fish and Whole Grains May Prevent Asthma

There is considerable evidence that the lipoprotein abnormalities (high LDL and low HDL) that are linked to heart attack deaths in adulthood begin to develop in early childhood and that higher cholesterol levels eventually get “set” by early food habits. What we eat during our childhood affects our lifetime cholesterol levels. For many, changing the diet to a plant-based, low-saturated-fat diet in later life does not result in the favorable cholesterol levels that would have been seen if the dietary improvements were started much earlier in life.

For parents, this is such a big responsibility… and a tedious one. It’s so satisfying to see the pleasure on our children’s faces as they snack on French fries and eat chips in front of the TV. Compare that to the dismay they show when you dish out spinach and lentils. It’s hard, I know. But like instilling discipline and manners, they’d probably hate us now for doing it, but will thank us later for the gift of health we’ve given them.

I am convinced that, contrary to the book title, no diet or food can ever keep anyone disease-free.However, I think we owe it to our children to give them a good, healthy start.

Post from: Blisstree

Start Healthy Eating Habits Early