Apples and Tomatoes Help Maintain Lung Health
Apples and Tomatoes Help Maintain Lung Health
British researchers found that eating more apples and tomatoes helps prevent respiratory diseases. Dr. Blodfield and colleagues from the University of Nottingham measured forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV-1)—the amount of air expelled from the lungs in the first second. In 1991, they examined 2,633 people; in 2000, they rechecked them.
The results showed that higher intake of apples and tomatoes correlated with increased FEV-1. Both fruits were effective in improving lung function. Eating five or more apples weekly significantly boosted FEV-1; similarly, consuming tomatoes three or more times weekly achieved comparable results. The study also found that frequent consumers of apples, tomatoes, and bananas had a lower risk of wheezing.
Dr. Blodfield said: “Apples and tomatoes are rich in antioxidants. We suspect this is due to antioxidant action. But I believe any diet promoting overall health is beneficial.”