Mediterranean Diet During Pregnancy May Curb Allergies

Filed in archive Allergy: Research and Development , Asthma , Hay Fever on June 22, 2008

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Mediterranean diet - characterized as being rich in fruits, vegetables and nuts- has already been documented to protect against allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms. A new study involving pregnant women supports this, indicating that children of women who adhered to a Mediterranean diet during their pregnancy had lower risks of having /skin and nasal) allergies and asthma. According to the reseearchers, "the traditional Mediterranean diet is high in antioxidants and healthy omega-3 fats from fish, which together may affect fetal development in a way that lowers the risk of allergies later in life."

Although these data are far from conclusive, it doesn't hurt to subscribe to the Mediterranean diet, I think. Not only are they healthy, Mediterranean dishes are a treat to the palate!