A Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruit, vegetables and fish, may significantly reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by 50 per cent, according to new research from Harvard, writes by Stephen Daniells for www.foodnavigator-usa.com.

The extensive prospective cohort study used data from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study and compared the relative risk of COPD among men taking a Mediterranean-style diet to those with a Western-style diet, rich in refined grains, cured and red meats, fries and desserts.

Writing in the journal Thorax, lead author Raphaelle Varraso states that dietary patterns similar to the Mediterranean diet were associated with a significant decrease in COPD risk. Dietary patterns similar to the Western style were associated with a significant increase in newly diagnosed COPD.

The Med diet, rich in cereals, wine, fruits, nuts, legumes and whole grains, fish and olive oil, has been linked to longer life, less heart disease, and protection against some cancers. The diet’s main nutritional components include beta-carotene, vitamin C, tocopherols, polyphenols, and essential minerals.