Fast food often contains high levels of "unhealthy" fat Eating
fast food three times a week may lead to asthma and eczema in
children, say researchers who have looked at global disease and
dietary patterns. Data from more than 500,000 children in more
than 50 countries suggests poor diet may be to blame for rising
levels of these allergy-related conditions, report the BBC.
Those who ate fast food, such as take-away burgers, risked
severe asthma, eczema and itchy, watery eyes. Eating plenty of
fruit appears to be protective, Thorax journal reports. Fast
food often contains high levels of saturated- and trans-fatty
acids, which are known to affect immunity, while fruit is rich
in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, say the
researchers. In the study, children in their early teens who ate
three or more weekly servings of fast food had a 39% increased
risk of severe asthma. Six- and seven-year-olds had a 27%
increased risk. Eating three or more portions of fruit a week
cut the risk of severe asthma, eczem