Antioxidants Fight Asthma
Help your kids breathe easier by putting plenty of fruits, vegetables, and grains on the menu.
A recent study suggests that foods containing the health-promoting antioxidants beta-carotene, vitamin C, and selenium may protect children from the development or progression of asthma. Add asthma-fighting power to breakfast by serving kids whole-grain cereal topped with colorful fruits such as strawberries and mangoes.
The incidence of asthma has increased recently, making it one of the most prevalent chronic diseases among children. A recent study of 7,505 children found that the 4- to-16-year-old participants with the highest blood levels of the antioxidants beta-carotene, vitamin C, and selenium had the lowest rates of asthma. Make your family's diet colorful by serving fruits and vegetables with the deepest shades of orange, red, and green for the best sources of beta-carotene and vitamin C. For healthy doses of selenium, offer your family seafood, meat, liver, and grains.
