Eating more fruit could significantly reduce air pollution's harmful effects on the lungs, according to new research from the University of Leicester. The study suggests this protection comes from antioxidants naturally present in fruit, with women showing particularly strong benefits.
Researchers analysed UK Biobank data from 207,421 people to explore links between healthy diets and better lung function. They compared participants' fruit, vegetable and wholegrain intake with their lung capacity, measured as the amount of air exhaled in one second.
The team measured air pollution exposure using fine particulate matter (PM2.5) - tiny particles released by cars and factories. For every five micrograms per cubic metre of PM2.5 exposure, lung function dropped by 78.1ml in people eating little fruit compared to just 57.5ml in women consuming high amounts of fruit.
Gender differences reveal key insights
Women who ate four or more portions of fruit daily showed the strongest protection against pollution-related lung damage. Men generally reported eating less fruit than women, which researchers believe explains why the protective effect was more pronounced in females.
The benefits appear linked to specific nutrients, with fruit and vegetables high in vitamins C and K particularly supporting lung function. These vitamins help the respiratory system cope with external pressures like air pollution.
PhD student Pimpika Kaewsri presented the findings at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Amsterdam. She said: "Our study confirmed that a healthy diet is linked to better lung function in both men and women regardless of air pollution exposure."
How fruit fights pollution damage
The protective mechanism works through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds naturally present in fruit. Kaewsri explained: "These compounds could help mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation caused by fine particles, potentially offsetting some of the harmful effects of air pollution on lung function."
Professor Sara De Matteis, chairwoman of the European Respiratory Society's expert group on occupational and environmental health, said the research "confirms the potential respiratory health benefits of a healthy diet, especially rich in fresh fruit intake".
Broader health and social implications
However, experts warned that access to healthy diets remains unequally distributed across the population. Air pollution also disproportionately affects the poorest communities and ethnic minorities, creating compounding health inequalities.
Sarah Sleet, chief executive at Asthma + Lung UK, emphasised that while fruit consumption supports lung health, it cannot replace prescribed medications. She said: "Enjoying fruit as part of a balanced diet looks like it can help our lungs when they're faced with external pressures like air pollution."
The charity called for stronger government action on air quality targets aligned with World Health Organisation guidelines. Professor De Matteis advocated for promoting plant-rich diets starting in primary schools, both for health benefits and reducing the carbon footprint of meat-heavy diets.
Sources used: "University of Leicester", "Birminghammail", "Yorkshire", "Independent", "European Respiratory Society", "Asthma + Lung UK", "UK Biobank"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
