Days ago we commented that the pregnant woman's diet influences the baby's health. In the same vein, but related to allergies, a Japanese study has found that eating fruits and vegetables during pregnancy helps prevent certain allergies in the baby such as eczema and asthma.
Increasing the consumption of green and yellow vegetables, citrus, and vegetables and fruits rich in beta carotene (those of red and orange) decreases the risk of the baby suffering from eczema, an inflammatory skin disease of allergic origin.
On the other hand, increasing the consumption of foods rich in vitamin E, present in most green vegetables, decreases the risk of the baby suffering from respiratory difficulties, according to Allergy magazine.
The results were analyzed based on the allergies suffered by the children upon reaching an age of between 16 and 24 months. Both eczema and wheezing were more common in children whose mothers had eaten less quantity and variety of fruits and vegetables during pregnancy.
It is not the first time that breastfeeding is linked to childhood allergies. Previous studies have already related to the Mediterranean diet and especially apple consumption with a lower probability of developing asthma in childhood.
While research is inconclusive and should continue to deepen the way to protect children from allergies through the maternal diet, antioxidants and nutrients present in fruits and vegetables provide great benefits for both the mother and the baby. They are the basis of a balanced diet, so if you are pregnant, double reason to include five pieces a day in your diet.
