A new Spanish study indicates that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet can significantly lower the risk of developing adult-onset asthma. Researchers tracked over 17,000 university graduates for nearly 13 years, analyzing their dietary habits and new asthma diagnoses.
The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and fish, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This study, involving the SUN Project, is the first prospective research in a Mediterranean population to show a protective effect of this diet on adult asthma development.
Those with the highest adherence to the diet showed a 42% lower risk of developing asthma compared to individuals with the lowest adherence. The findings suggest that promoting Mediterranean-style eating habits could be a key component in strategies for preventing chronic respiratory diseases.