By Abbas Nazil
Eating more fruit could help protect the lungs against harmful effects of air pollution, according to a new study presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Amsterdam.
Researchers from the University of Leicester analyzed UK Biobank data from 207,421 participants, comparing dietary habits with lung function and exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a dangerous pollutant emitted by vehicles and industrial activities.
They found that people with low fruit intake experienced a greater reduction in lung function when exposed to PM2.5 compared to those who ate more fruit.
Specifically, for every increase of five micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre of air, lung function fell by 78.1 millilitres in individuals who ate little fruit.
By contrast, women who consumed four or more portions of fruit daily saw a smaller decline of 57.5 millilitres.
The protective effect was more evident in women, which researchers linked to higher reported fruit consumption compared with men.
Pimpika Kaewsri, a PhD student from the University of Leicester’s Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability, explained that antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds naturally present in fruit may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation caused by air pollution, helping preserve lung capacity.
Professor Sara De Matteis, chairwoman of the European Respiratory Society’s occupational and environmental health group, said the findings confirm the respiratory benefits of a diet rich in fresh fruit.
She stressed, however, that access to healthy foods is unevenly distributed, and dietary promotion should start early in life to maximize public health and reduce the environmental impact of meat-heavy diets.
Sarah Sleet, chief executive of Asthma + Lung UK, also welcomed the results, noting that fruit and vegetables high in vitamins C and K are particularly valuable for lung health.
She, however, cautioned that fruit should not replace prescribed medication, but added that it can strengthen lung resilience against external pressures such as pollution.
