Results based on a new study of almost 700 children living in four rural areas on the Greek island of Crete indicates that a "Mediterranean" diet rich in fruits, vegetables and nuts protects against allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms.

The effect of diet was strongest on allergic rhinitis, but it also afforded protection against asthma symptoms and skin allergy. Children who ate nuts at least three times a week were less likely to wheeze. Nuts are a rich source of vitamin E, the body's primary defence against cellular damage caused by free radicals. And they contain high levels of magnesium, which other research suggests, may protect against asthma and boost lung power.

In addition, a daily intake of fruits such as oranges, apples, and tomatoes also protected against wheezing and allergic rhinitis. Grapes are in particular very helpful, and it is thought to be due to a compound found on the skin of red grapes, resveratrol, which is a potent polyphenol that is considered to be effective in controlling inflammation.

For further reading, the study is published online (abstract available, full text requires subscription), or for an overview, see this article from Science Daily.