According to recent research drinking apple juice could halve the risk of developing asthma. Eating a banana can cut the risk by a third, according to the same researchers, but consuming whole apples appears to have no affect.

The researchers believe that the steady rise of asthma could be linked to increased consumption of fast foods and decreased consumption of natural, fresh foods. The latest study, published in the European Respiratory Journal, in June 20007, looked at almost 2,700 primary school children and found those drinking apple juice at least once a day were 50 per cent less likely to develop asthma symptoms. Researchers led by Professor Peter Burney at the National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, were surprised a glass of apple juice a day was more protective-than eating apples – or any other fruit other than bananas. They believe the health benefits may be dose related because the children drink more of the content from apples through juice rather than by eating the fruit.

A Greek study has found children who eat a Mediterranean diet full of fruit, vegetables and nuts are less likely to develop asthma and allergies.

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