Children who eat three or more burgers a week are more likely to suffer from asthma
A study of 50,000 children from 20 countries has revealed that those who eat 3 or more burgers a week have a higher risk of asthma than those who eat healthier Mediterranean-style diets.
The research also found that asthma triggers varied from country to country. High fruit intake was universally found to lower asthma risk and was particularly beneficial in poorer countries. Mediterranean-style diets high in fish appeared most beneficial to children in richer countries.
The authors of the study suggested it could be the high levels of unhealthy fats in burgers which increase risk of asthma. However, they also accepted that children who ate such a large amount of burgers also had other unhealthy lifestyle traits which may have increases their chance of developing asthma.
Asthma UK said that the study helped add to understanding of how asthma and diet were connected.
“Our advice to parents is to ensure that children eat a healthy, balanced diet and also get plenty of exercise,” said Dr Elaine Vickers, from the asthma charity.
