Consuming fruit regularly could help protect lungs from the damaging effects of air pollution, new findings suggest.
The benefit becomes particularly effective when people eat four or more portions of fruit everyday - whether it's apples, oranges or pears.
Analysing data from over 200,000 participants, scientists at the University of Leicester have assessed the connection between dietary habits and lung function in areas with varying air pollution levels.
The research focused on how fruit consumption might counteract the harmful impact of fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, which is released by vehicles and industrial facilities.
Women tend to experience this benefit from fruit more than men do
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Naturally occurring antioxidants in fruit was found to possibly be the mechanism behind the remarkable protective effect.
There seemed to be a prominent gender divide, with women experiencing notably stronger protective benefits from fruit consumption compared to men, according to the Leicester researchers.
The study revealed that females who ate four or more daily fruit portions showed reduced lung damage when exposed to air pollution.
PhD student Pimpika Kaewsri, who presented the research at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Amsterdam, 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."
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The gender difference might stem from men typically consuming less fruit than women, researchers mused, although the theory has not been put to the test.
During the study, the Leicester team examined UK Biobank data, comparing participants' consumption of fruits, vegetables and wholegrains against their respiratory health measurements.
Health charity Asthma + Lung UK welcomed the new findings, with Sarah Sleet, as the organisation's chief executive, saying: "We know that a high fruit diet supports lung function, but it's an interesting step forward in this study to see that it could also counteract the effects of air pollution on our lungs."
However, Ms Sleet pointed out that disadvantaged communities face both limited access to nutritious foods and higher exposure to air pollution.
A charity CEO urged the Government to address 'worsening health inequalities'
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She called for legislative action, asserting that the Government "must do more to address the disproportionate exposure to air pollution that contributes to worsening health inequalities".
The charity has continued to advocate for stricter air quality regulations aligned with World Health Organisation standards.
The NHS has always advised that adults should have at least five portions of an array of fruit (and vegetables) every day, with each portion weighing in around 80g.