Fruit and Lung Health
Eating more fruit could help protect the lungs from harmful effects of air pollution, new research has suggested.
People who ate more fruit lost less lung function from fine particulate matter. These tiny pollutants come from cars, wood burners, and factories.
Researchers from the University of Leicester analysed data from more than 200,000 participants in the UK Biobank. The study looked at diet and FEV1, a measure of how much air someone can exhale in one second.
The team also factored in exposure to air pollution, specifically PM2.5 – a pollutant strongly linked to respiratory illness. Eating little fruit was linked to a 78.1 ml drop in lung function for every 5 µg/m³ increase in pollution. In women who ate four or more portions of fruit daily, the reduction was smaller at 57.5ml.
Scientists believe antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in fruit help protect the lungs by reducing damage from pollution.
The study also found that women ate more fruit than men, which may explain why they saw stronger benefits.
Expert Advice and Everyday Choices
Pimpika Kaewsri, a PhD student at the University of Leicester’s Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability, said:
“A healthy diet supports better lung function in both men and women, even with air pollution. Women who ate at least four portions of fruit daily lost less lung function than those who ate less.”
Experts welcomed the findings, though noted that not everyone has equal access to healthy foods. Professor Sara De Matteis said the study highlights the lung health benefits of eating a diet rich in fresh fruit.
Lung Cancer and the Bigger Picture
Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said the findings show that diet can help support lung health.
“Eating more fruit can help protect lungs from pollution,” the study shows. Diet alone isn’t enough, but fruit may still support lung health.
“With lung cancer still the UK’s biggest cancer killer, we welcome all research that helps us better understand how to keep our lungs as healthy as possible.”